Notching up a significant achievement, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) reached a milestone of 1,000 MWh (megawatt-hours) of battery-stored power. The stored energy is surplus power generated through solar power and is utilised to meet demand during peak evening hours. Solar power is generated under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana 2.0. Lokesh Chandra, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister and Chairman & Managing Director of MSEDCL, stated that this is the first time in India that such a large-scale power supply is being provided through decentralised battery storage.

 

He noted that this supply has proven highly beneficial during the current period of increased electricity demand, exacerbated by drought conditions in the state. The yojana is proving to be a ‘game-changer’ for the State. Under the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) initiative—launched by MSEDCL to store surplus energy for use during peak evening demand—a battery storage capacity of 500 MW has recently been made operational. As this system can provide power for two hours, it effectively delivers a capacity of 1,000 MWh. The impact of El Nino has led to reduced rainfall, resulting in more intense heat waves in October. Consequently, there is a record-high demand for electricity. While solar energy provides an adequate and cost-effective power supply during the day, electricity must be purchased at higher rates once solar generation ceases in the evening. In this context, a 1,000 MWh (megawatt-hour) battery storage project—initiated by MSEDCL has begun to provide much-needed relief.