The Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation (TNPGCL) is set to pilot a 200 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station.
Traditionally associated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind, BESS will now be explored for the first time in a thermal plant to store electricity during low-demand periods. Although Tamil Nadu’s peak power demand has reached 20,830 MW, immediate benefits from this pilot may not be visible. However, officials emphasize that scaling up the system can ensure a steady power supply, reduce power outages, and eliminate the need to purchase expensive electricity from private companies.
Officials believe BESS implementation could curb future financial losses by reducing the need to frequently shut down and restart thermal units—a process that takes 10–12 hours. The project, once approved by the Tamil Nadu government and Green Energy Corporation, will be executed under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, with a power purchase agreement required from the distribution company.