Solar move to end power crisis? BESS project to start soon in Kayamkulam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) project will be set up in Kayamkulam to collect solar power. The BESS is being prepared by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). 500 MW of electricity can be stored for four hours. (500 MW X 4 hours = 2000 MW hour). The project will collect solar power in the BESS during the day and distribute it during peak hours at night.

It will be set up at the NTPC site in connection with the Kayamkulam thermal power plant. This will be one of the largest BESS projects in the state. NTPC has submitted the project outline to KSEB. Since KSEB is to purchase the electricity, their suggestions will be considered in preparing the final draft.

The tender for the project will be invited after evaluating the KSEB's distribution network. The target is to complete the project within 15 months once construction begins. There are no technical difficulties, as there are lines and related facilities in Kayamkulam. The tariff for electricity provided to KSEB will be determined after calculating the construction cost. This requires the approval of the Regulatory Commission.

Kerala's seventh BESS project

Various companies are constructing BESS in the state under the supervision of KSEB, including locations like Mylatty, Mulleria, Sreekantapuram, Areekode and Pothencode. The construction of the sixth one will begin soon at KSEB's site in Brahmapuram. This is the second BESS in Kerala to come under the ownership of NTPC, a public sector undertaking in the energy sector.