Construction Industry News
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by ONGC Tripura Power Company Limited (OTPC) and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for the development of a phased Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Assam with a capacity of up to 250 MW/ 500 MWh. A statement from OTPC stated that the project would be developed by establishing a joint venture. OTPC is a joint venture between Government of Tripura, India Infrastructure Fund-II, ONGC and GAIL.
The project will be developed with funds totaling 2,000 crore. According to Sanil C. Namboodiripad, General Manager of OTPC, “OTPC is eager to cooperate with Assam in the transition to a low-carbon energy mix and has been a reliable energy supplier to the state since 2014. The energy storage project will bring multiple avenues of employment, incentive to local businesses, better use of green energy, reduction of carbon emissions and overall socio-economic development in Assam.”
In addition, he stated that the project will assist the state in improving grid reliability, integrating renewable energy generation into the power grid and improving power availability during peak hours. Assam's power minister, Nandita Gorlosa, said at the event that the development would help the state become a leader in the green energy transition. Rakesh Kumar, MD, APDCL, stated that the battery energy storage project is essential for the successful integration of upcoming solar energy projects as the state deploys significant solar capacity.
The 726 MW gas-fired combined cycle plant that OTPC owns and operates supplies 25% of the energy needs of all seven northeastern states. According to the company's statement, OTPC intends to play a vital role in India's clean energy transition by establishing energy storage systems across the country to better integrate green energy with the country's existing electricity system.
The center has set ambitious transition goals, along with a focus on battery energy storage systems. India hopes to have 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2070. Battery storage systems would be essential for storing power during times of peak demand and maintaining grid stability as renewable energy grows. Energy storage systems are also being improved in a number of other states.
