Singareni Launches Pilot Project for Battery Energy Storage at Mandamarri Solar Plant
Hyderabad, November 26, 2024: As part of its efforts to enhance solar power utilization and reduce energy costs, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has initiated an innovative Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) pilot project at its Mandamarri solar plant. Chairman and Managing Director N. Balaram revealed details of the project, which aims to store surplus solar energy for nighttime use and maximize cost savings.
Pilot Project Details
The BESS, with a storage capacity of one megawatt, is being established at the 28 MW Mandamarri solar plant, which was commissioned in 2021 to meet the in-house energy needs of SCCL’s mines and industrial operations. The system is expected to save ₹13 lakh per month (₹1.6 crore annually) by storing unused solar power generated during the afternoon and utilizing it at night.
Expansion Plans
If the pilot project proves successful, SCCL plans to install an additional two megawatts of battery energy storage at the plant. This expansion would bring the total capacity to three megawatts, generating annual savings of approximately ₹4.8 crore.
Current Utilization and Surplus Power
The Mandamarri solar plant produces an average of 1.34 lakh units of electricity daily, of which 1.14 lakh units are consumed for operations across 11 underground mines, 4 open-cast mines, and other industrial needs in the Mandamarri and Srirampur areas. However, approximately 20,000 units remain unused daily, especially during lunch breaks and machine downtime in the afternoon.
Currently, this surplus energy is fed into the Telangana Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGNPDCL) grid free of cost. The new BESS system aims to capture and store this excess power for later use, preventing wastage and reducing reliance on external electricity sources.
Implementation Partner
The pilot project is being executed by M/s Mars India Antennas and RF Systems, Kanpur, which has been tasked with setting up the one-megawatt capacity BESS. The system is expected to be operational in the coming days, marking a significant step forward in solar energy management.
Cost and Payback
The estimated cost of setting up the one-megawatt BESS is ₹2.5 crore, while the total cost for the three-megawatt system would be approximately ₹7.5 crore. The investment is projected to be recovered within two years through the savings generated from efficient solar power utilization.
Solar Plant Savings So Far
The Mandamarri solar plant has already proven to be a game-changer for SCCL. Before its installation, SCCL spent ₹13 crore per month on electricity for 15 mines in the Srirampur and Mandamarri areas. Since the solar plant became operational on April 17, 2021, the company’s monthly electricity expenses have dropped to ₹9 crore, resulting in savings of ₹4 crore per month.
With the successful implementation of the BESS system, SCCL expects to further reduce costs and enhance energy efficiency. CMD N. Balaram praised the initiative as a significant milestone in the company’s journey toward sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.
