Target set to store 4% of green energy generated, says Nirmal Kumar

CHENNAI: The state administration has set energy storage targets for each year, with a goal to store 4% of total renewable energy generated in 2029-30, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the union administration, Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar informed the Assembly on Friday.

Key points

• TNGECL is implementing another 1, 500 MWh (375 MW x 4 hours) of standalone BESS with financial backing from the Power System Development Fund, for which11 TANTRANSCO substations have been identified.
• Energy Storage Systems (ESS) would allow the state to integrate renewable energy into the grid and manage fluctuations in both power demand and generation, he remarked.
• The projects are being implemented on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis.
• This poses operational challenges and places extra stress on the grid.

During the discussion on demands for grants for the energy department, the minister remarked, "The integration of renewable energy into the grid requires frequent ramping up and ramping down of conventional thermal generation. This poses operational challenges and places extra stress on the grid."

According to the policy note tabled in the Assembly, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) targets are aimed at ensuring grid stability, optimising the employ of renewable power and supporting TN's transition towards a cleaner energy.

As part of the efforts to strengthen grid reliability and facilitate large-scale renewable energy integration, the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) has initiated the establishment of 1, 000 MWh (500 MW x two hours) of standalone BESS under the State Component of Viability Gap Funding (VGF).

For context, the projects are being implemented on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis. Six BESS installations, with a combined capacity of 500 MW/1, 000 MWh, are planned at TANTRANSCO substations in Thennampatty, Anuppankulam, Ottapidaram, Vellalaviduthi, Kayathar and Karaikudi. The projects are targeted for commissioning by December 2026.

Furthermore, TNGECL is implementing another 1, 500 MWh (375 MW x 4 hours) of standalone BESS with financial backing from the Power System Development Fund, for which11 TANTRANSCO substations have been identified. The installations will be established at Thappagundu, Thatchankurichi, Palladam, Alagarkoil, Kamudhi, Karamadai, Anaikadavu, Thiruvarur, Othakalmandapam, Thuvakudy, and N Subbaiahpuram. These projects are scheduled to be commissioned by September 2027.

Taken together, the developments around target set to store 4% of green energy generated, says Nirmal Kumar point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.