GUVNL to Establish Three Battery Energy Storage Sites in Gujarat

In a significant move to enhance the availability of renewable energy, the Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) is set to launch three projects to establish battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the state. The BESS will supply electricity on an “on-demand” basis to distribution companies (DISCOMs) during peak and off-peak hours, thereby extending the availability of renewable energy beyond solar hours.

The proposed BESS locations for Phase II and Phase III include three 400kV substations - at Bhachunda village in Abdasa taluka, Kutch, Sanand near Ahmedabad, and Amreli. These grid-connected systems will be classified as transmission systems and will be charged by power from the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited’s (GETCO) grid network, following instructions from the state load despatch centre.

Two companies, Gensol and IndiGrid, have been awarded letters of intent for 750MW/1,500MWh projects. The first award has been approved by the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission, and GUVNL has signed a power purchase agreement for a 250MW/500MWh BESS project. Jai Prakash Shivahare, Managing Director of GUVNL, emphasized the importance of battery storage systems in meeting India’s renewable energy targets. “Gujarat has always taken the lead when it comes to RE capacity, and this will help store and supply surplus RE as and when required,” he said.

Recently, Gensol Engineering bagged a 250 MW tender, and a third project worth 250 MW is in the pipeline. The tenders were issued following tariff-based competitive bidding. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy goals and demonstrates Gujarat’s commitment to being a pioneer in this field.

In related news, Greenko Group and SJVN have partnered to develop a major renewable energy project, aiming to produce 5 million tonnes of green ammonia by 2030. This collaboration supports India’s green hydrogen goals and marks a significant milestone in SJVN’s renewable energy expansion.

Meanwhile, Delhi is facing challenges with its drainage system after heavy rainfall, prompting discussions on a new drainage plan. Officials estimate a 4-year timeline for implementation, and calls are being made for a unified agency to manage the city’s drains. The ongoing efforts to address waterlogging issues in Delhi are a pressing concern.

In Maharashtra, two firms are planning to establish manufacturing units worth 18,000 crore, including a solar cell manufacturing unit, a hydrogen generation plant, and a DRI plant in Gadchiroli. This is a significant development in the state’s industrial expansion.

These stories highlight the importance of renewable energy and the efforts being made to achieve India’s green energy goals.

Historical Context:

• India has been actively promoting renewable energy as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet its climate change commitments. In 2015, India pledged to increase its non-fossil fuel-based power capacity to 40% of its total installed capacity by 2030.
• Gujarat has been a leader in renewable energy capacity, with a significant share of its power generation coming from solar and wind power.
• Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have gained importance in recent years as a means to stabilize the grid and ensure a reliable supply of renewable energy. India has been actively promoting the development of BESS projects to support its renewable energy goals.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) is launching three battery energy storage projects to establish battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the state.
• The BESS will supply electricity on an “on-demand” basis to distribution companies (DISCOMs) during peak and off-peak hours, extending the availability of renewable energy beyond solar hours.
• The proposed BESS locations are at Bhachunda village in Abdasa taluka, Kutch, Sanand near Ahmedabad, and Amreli.
• Two companies, Gensol and IndiGrid, have been awarded letters of intent for 750MW/1,500MWh projects.
• GUVNL has signed a power purchase agreement for a 250MW/500MWh BESS project.
• The initiative is a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy goals and demonstrates Gujarat’s commitment to being a pioneer in this field.
• The tenders were issued following tariff-based competitive bidding.
• The project is expected to help store and supply surplus renewable energy as and when required.
• The initiative is a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy goals and demonstrates Gujarat’s commitment to being a pioneer in this field.
• The project is expected to help store and supply surplus renewable energy as and when required.
• The initiative is a significant step towards achieving India’s renewable energy goals and demonstrates Gujarat’s commitment to being a pioneer in this field.