Solar and battery energy storage project, Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh

Introduction

This ground-breaking project"100MW Solar PV Power Plant with 40MW/120MWh Battery Energy Storage System at Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh," was awarded by SECI to TATA Power Solar Systems Ltd. This pioneering endeavour combines cutting-edge solar technology with innovative battery storage solutions to ensure uninterrupted power supply, particularly during non-solar peak hours. Overcoming challenges posed by undulating and rocky terrain, the project spans 451 acres in 9 plots across a major national highway. With a capacity to offset 175,422.68 tonnes of CO₂ annually, it marks a significant step towards sustainable energy production, delivering 243.64 MUs of electricity annually to Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited.

Objectives

Key Objectives:

- Establish a 100MW solar PV power plant with a 40MW/120MWh battery energy storage system in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.

- Utilisation of hard rock land patches which were not suitable for agriculture into a sustainable and renewable power producing station.

- Ensure reliable power supply to CSPDCL with a unique solution of 40MW battery backup for 3 hours during non-solar peak hours.

- Achieve a CO₂ offset of 175,422.68 tons annually using bifacial mono crystalline modules.

Key Project Features

Key Project Features of 100 MW Solar PV Power Plant with 40MW/120MWh Battery Energy Storage System:

- Total Capacity: 100MW Solar PV Power Plant with 40MW/120MWh Battery Energy Storage System

- Project Completion time: Completed in 18 months.

- No. of Modules Used: 239,685 modules used

- Total CO₂ Saved: Saved 175,422.68 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

- Technology Used:

- Lithium-ion Battery based BESS

- Bifacial Mono Crystalline

Project Highlights:

- Innovative solution providing /120MWh battery backup for 3 hours during non-solar peak hours.

- Re-instating Tata Power Solar pioneering spirit for new technology adoption.

- Overcomes challenges of hilly and rocky terrain for successful implementation.

- Expected CO₂ offset of 175,422.68 tons annually, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability.

- Developed project for Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited to supply power ensuring seamless operation and integration with the grid by supplying 243.64 Mus/Annum to CSPDCL even during non-solar peak hours.

Project Execution Challenges:

- Supplier Identification and Design Challenges: Development BESS supplier within Tata group leveraging EV expertise of TACO, and hence convincing SECI was quite a task for accepting TACO as BESS supplier meeting bare minimum tender qualifying requirements. Localization of BESS components such as container, rack and EMS with few other design changes during construction were approved by SECI with rounds of clarifications.

- Terrain Difficulty: The site terrain is undulated and rocky causing challenges for the execution team to construct and install solar module. To ensure optimal quality and meet the safety standards, the team required exceptional engineering solutions and machinery- manpower skills. Thereby leading to additional construction costs.

- Transmission Line Infrastructure: The 451 acres of land divided into 9 separate plots spread over a 13 kms. The project required significant transmission line infrastructure, including33kV lines on 66KV towers spanning 12.5km for internal power evacuation from 5 different solar blocks and a 132kV line covering 28.02km for supplying power to CSPDCL Constructing and integrating these transmission lines into the project site face logistical challenges such as right-of-way acquisition, environmental considerations, national highway and railway crossing and coordination with local authorities and utility companies.

- Geopolitical Challenges: Local and geopolitical challenges had to be addressed during project execution in order to ensure smooth operations and project completion with in a stipulated time period.

Overall, addressing these challenges will require careful planning, coordination with various stakeholders, and potentially innovative engineering solutions to ensure the successful execution of the 100MW solar PV power plant with a 40MW/120MWh battery energy storage system in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.

Unique Features:

- Battery Energy Storage: The integration of a 120MWh BESS provides crucial backup during non-solar peak hours, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

- Significant CO2 Offset: By generating renewable energy, the project contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions.

- Establishment of India's inaugural: India's first ever MW scale 40MW/120MWh BESS

- Final Collaboration with TACO with long term plans considering:

- Group synergy

- Leverage on EV expertise

- Make in India

Conclusion:

The 100MW Solar PV Power Plant with a 40MW/120MWh Battery Energy Storage System in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, represents a milestone in renewable energy deployment. By overcoming geographical challenge and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the project sets a new benchmark for reliability, scalability, and environmental sustainability in the energy sector.