OTPC, APDCL Collaborate For Rs. 2000 Crore BESS In Assam

ONGC Tripura Power Company Limited has informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between OTPC and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) recently to develop a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project having a total capacity of up to 250 MW / 500 MWh in Assam. OTPC and APDCL will incorporate a Joint Venture Company for the purpose.

The energy storage project will be developed in a phased manner in the state with an overall investment of Rs 2,000 Crores. APDCL held that the energy storage development programme will lead to generation of significant direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Nandita Gorlosa, Assam’s Minister of Power, Cooperation, Mines & Minerals, Indigenous & Tribal Faith and Cultural Department said on the occasion that the BESS project by OTPC and ADPCL will be a key milestone in fulfilling the vision of Assam Chief Minister for making Assam a leader in green energy transition.

Sanil C. Namboodiripad, Managing Director, OTPC, while talking about the new partnership with APDCL and the BESS project, said that the development will help Assam to improve power availability during peak load hours and improve the integration of renewable energy with the power grid. The BESS is also expected to enhance the grid reliability.

Namboodiripad said, “OTPC, a reliable energy supplier for Assam since 2014, is keen to be partner of Assam in its transition towards decarbonized energy mix. The energy storage project will bring in multiple avenues of employment, boost to local businesses, improved utilization of green energy, carbon emission reduction and over all socio-economic development in Assam.”

OTPC is already playing a key role in the North East region of the county. Presently, OTPC owns and operates a gas based combined cycle power plant of a capacity of 726 MW that supplies 25 per cent of all the seven states’ energy demand in the North East.

Rakesh Kumar, Managing Director, APDCL, held that Assam is implementing significant solar energy capacity and energy storage projects are necessary for successful integration of solar power projects that will be online in future.

Last November, APDCL had invited bids for two solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 150 MW including 100 MW of grid-connected floating solar PV projects and 50 MW of grid-connected ground-mounted solar PV projects.