MSEDCL Plans Rs20,000 Crore Battery Storage Project for 16,000MW Solar Power
Nagpur: In a major push for renewable energy integration, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) is planning a Rs20,000 crore project to set up battery-based storage units for 16,000MW that will be generated through solar power.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
To make the ambitious project financially viable, MSEDCL has sought viability gap funding (VGF) from the Central govt. The storage units are aimed at conserving surplus solar energy for use during peak demand hours in the night.
A senior MSEDCL official confirmed that the proposal seeking subsidy has already been sent to the Central govt.
MSEDCL is currently implementing Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana 2.0, under which several solar parks are being constructed across the state to generate 16,000MW.
The project deadline is 2026. However, MSEDCL sources said that currently, there is no facility to store the excess generated power at this level.
To store the excess power, MSEDCL is going for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), for which it has also received approval from the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). A small contract has been awarded to a private firm. According to MSEDCL sources, the firm is now building storage facilities using BESS at 75 substations of the discom.
"Excess solar power will be stored at these locations and later used during high demand.
This power will be bought by MSEDCL from the firm at a lower cost," said the sources.
The first such project is being implemented for 750MW, for which 1,500MWh capacity needs to be built. MSEDCL sources also said that setting up the battery unit for 1MW costs around Rs1.25 crore and requires a 2MWh capacity. "So, for setting up storage units for 16,000MW, it will cost around Rs20,000 crore.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The Central govt provides around Rs27 lakh per MWh, while the rest needs to be raised by the firms which bag the contracts.
However, we have sent the subsidy proposal, and the Central govt will think over it," said the official.
In the contract already issued, the Central govt has given a subsidy for 500MWh, while the subsidy for 1,000MWh is pending. MSEDCL, however, wants to implement it on a large scale, so they have sent the proposal to the Central govt.
"If the subsidy is secured, then tenders will be floated, and different companies can bid for it. The firms will be provided a subsidy, and to recover the remaining money, they will sell the power to MSEDCL, which too will benefit because of the low cost of power," said MSEDCL sources.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Ajit Pawar reviews Akola development works, stresses proper use of funds
Akola: Deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and state finance & planning minister Ajit Pawar conducted a comprehensive review of development projects in Akola and Washim districts on Wednesday. Chairing a meeting at the Planning Bhavan, Pawar directed that the District Planning Committee (DPC) funds be fully utilized for quality and necessary works, ensuring all planned projects are completed by February 2026 without any unspent allocations. Pawar emphasized, "No funds should remain unutilized in the 2025–26 cycle, and quality and deadline compliance must be strictly followed." He was accompanied by state minister for soil and water conservation Indranil Naik, MP Anup Dhotre, MLAs Randhir Savarkar, Amol Mitkari, Vasant Khandelwal, Kiran Sarnayak, Sanjay Khodke, Sajid Pathan, Saibai Dahake, and senior administrative officials including additional collector Pramod Gaikwad, municipal commissioner Sunil Lahane, and SP Archit Chandak. Pawar warned against misuse of DPC funds for unnecessary purchases, stressing timely and efficient execution. "Any irregularity will invite strict action," he said, adding that innovative schemes must result in impactful projects. Taking stock of issues farmers face during the kharif season, Pawar issued a stern directive: "Any malpractice involving forced linkage of seeds and fertilizers will lead to FIRs against dealers and companies." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo He also encouraged AI adoption in agriculture with support from agricultural universities. Reviewing crop loan disbursement, he urged departments to enhance awareness among farmers and ensure benefit delivery under various schemes. The deputy CM directed completion of underground drainage works in Akola with long-term planning for the next 25 years of urban growth. He assured additional funds for municipal projects and emphasized linking PMAY with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to benefit maximum families. Pawar also promised resolution of pending issues related to the medical college and super-speciality hospital in Akola. Highlighting the transition from the government's 100-day to 150-day program, Pawar urged authorities to expedite implementation of key schemes like PMAY, solar pump distribution, and desiltation of dams and farmlands under 'Galmukt Dharan – Galyukt Shivar'. Pawar announced a positive move towards completing the Akola airport project. "We will ensure runway expansion, night landing facility, and resolve technical issues. All efforts will be made to complete the airport," he assured. Ajit Pawar unveiled an ambitious statewide tree plantation drive with a target of planting 10 crore trees this year, and 25 crore trees from next year onward. Under the CAMPA initiative, Rs3,000 crore has been allocated for large-scale environmental and afforestation works. Ajit Pawar's review in Akola highlighted an assertive and accountable governance approach, stressing fiscal discipline, environmental sustainability, and farmer welfare, along with clear timelines for infrastructure and public welfare delivery. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
SSC proposes sliding scheme for recruitment to all advertised posts
Prayagraj: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is planning to introduce a major policy change in Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam 2025, one of its biggest recruitments. For this, a proposal has been sent to the Central govt, and after approval, it will be implemented from this recruitment. Under the new policy, the Commission will make appointments from the waiting list for the first time to ensure recruitment to all the advertised posts of Group 'B' and Group 'C' in various ministries, departments, organisations of the Central govt, and various constitutional bodies, statutory bodies, tribunals, etc. However, instead of calling it a waiting list, the Commission has named it as a 'sliding scheme' wherein if those selected in the main list somehow fail to turn up, the candidates will be selected from the waiting list. As per the policy of SSC, a waiting list/reserved list is not made in respect of recruitment examinations. It came to light from the last few recruitments that some vacancies remain vacant after document verification. Therefore, in an effort to fill all the advertised vacancies, the Commission is considering implementing a sliding scheme in the post allocation of a cycle to fill the vacant post from the extended cut-off after document verification. Its implementation will be done on the approval of the Centre. In another important development, f SSC has announced recruitment for two new posts in CGL 2025. This time there will also be selection for the post of office superintendent in the Central Board of Direct Taxes and Section Head in the Director General of Foreign Trade Office. Applications have been sought until July 4 for 14,582 posts. Last year, 36.73 lakh students filled the forms for the CGL exam. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Sembcorp secures 50MW RTC project from SECI; to deploy 300MW renewable capacity
New Delhi: Sembcorp Industries , through its wholly-owned subsidiary Sembcorp Green Infra Private Limited (SGIPL), has been awarded a 50MW Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable energy project by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd ( SECI ) as part of its 1.2GW tender for RTC power from Inter State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected projects. To fulfil the RTC power obligations under the contract, Sembcorp will deploy approximately 300MW of installed renewable capacity comprising solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The project will be developed on a build-own-operate basis. With this award, Sembcorp's gross renewables capacity in India will exceed 6.5GW. Globally, the company's total renewables portfolio has reached 18.0GW, including acquisitions that are pending completion. Subject to the execution of a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with SECI, the project will deliver RTC renewable power supported by BESS. The project is expected to achieve commercial operations within 24 months from the date of signing the PPA. It will be funded through a combination of internal accruals and external debt. The company said the project award is not expected to have a material impact on its earnings per share or net tangible assets per share for the financial year ending December 31, 2025.
