Indian Govt to Set Up 2000 MWh BESS for Solar Power in Rajasthan

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) approved the state government's request for a four-hour battery cycle, which is more suitable for Rajasthan where solar resources are rich for long-duration charging and the peak-hour power demand is higher, compared to other states.

“With battery storage, the government is trying to supply cheaper solar power even during evening and morning hours, helping us to become self-reliant. This will reduce our dependence on exchange power which is costlier in the evenings and other peak hours when solar power is not available,” said Ajitabh Sharma, principal secretary (Energy).

With solar energy now being generated from various sources, including industrial grid-scale, rooftop plants, and Kusum projects, the energy department is working to map the cumulative generation and consumption patterns to better manage renewable power in the state and store the excess power generated during the day.

"Though this is the final lot of our current plan for setting up 6,000 MWh of BESS in Rajasthan, more battery storage capacity will come as generation, consumption, and grid stability requirements crystallize,” added Sharma.