Chennai, Oct 18 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu has made a substantial move towards its renewable energy goals by sanctioning its inaugural solar power initiative that integrates battery storage. This forward-thinking project is considered a significant milestone in the state's clean energy journey, following the announcement of an ambitious target to install 20,000 MW of solar capacity and 10,000 MW of battery storage over the next decade.

In a historic decision, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has authorized the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Ltd (TNGECL) to issue tenders for two grid-connected solar power projects equipped with battery energy storage systems (BESS). Each project, featuring a 15 MW solar capacity and 45 MWh storage, will be established in the districts of Karur and Tiruvarur, operating under a build-own-operate model for the next 25 years.

According to TNGECL, these hybrid projects are specifically aimed at addressing the state's increasing evening peak demand, which cannot be met by solar energy alone.

Tamil Nadu's peak power demand is projected to escalate from 19,409 MW in 2023-24 to over 27,500 MW by 2029-30, with the annual energy requirement potentially doubling by 2034-35. Despite the state already having more than 10,800 MW of solar power capacity, production is limited to daytime hours, compelling the utility to procure expensive electricity from exchanges during the evening.

With the addition of battery storage, these new projects will facilitate the shifting of solar-generated electricity to peak usage times, thereby lowering costs and reliance on thermal power. The total capital expenditure for the two initiatives is estimated at around Rs 200 crore, with a projected levelized tariff of Rs 6.49 per unit — significantly less than peak exchange rates, which can soar up to Rs 10 per unit. Over the next 25 years, these projects are expected to yield savings of approximately Rs 90 crore for the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) compared to market purchases.

Land has been earmarked for these projects at K. Pitchampatti in Karur and Korukkai in Tiruvarur. Upon completion, they will ensure a consistent supply of renewable energy during evening hours, positioning Tamil Nadu as a leader in dispatchable green power.

Officials have stated that this initiative signifies the onset of Tamil Nadu's shift towards flexible, storage-enabled renewable energy generation. “These projects will act as a learning platform for the large-scale integration of battery systems within the state grid and open avenues for future investments in round-the-clock green energy,” remarked a senior source from TNGECL.