Site Visit to the Battery Energy Storage System in Rajnandgaon: Strengthening Grid Stability through Innovation
The Indo-German Energy Forum Support Office (IGEF-SO), KfW Development Bank, and the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) jointly conducted the 7th Best Practices Training and International Workshop on Battery Storage for Grid Stability & Renewable Integration from 12 - 14 November 2025 in Rajnandgaon, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. As part of the programme, participants visited the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) plant in Rajnandgaon, operated by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) under the aegis of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
The Rajnandgaon installation features a 40 MW / 120 MWh Battery Energy Storage System integrated with a 152.325 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant that delivers a dispatchable capacity of 100 MW AC. This integrated setup demonstrates how storage-backed renewable energy can enhance grid stability and ensure reliable power supply, particularly as India increases the share of variable renewable energy in its energy mix. The deployment of bifacial solar modules at the site adds to the project’s efficiency. By capturing sunlight from both sides, these modules generate more electricity than conventional monofacial panels, signalling a shift towards advanced solar technologies in utility-scale projects.
The project stands out for its innovative and sustainable land-use approach. Through a tripartite land-use permission agreement between the Energy Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), and SECI, 451 acres of previously unused land across nine villages in Tehsil Dongargarh and Dongargaon were repurposed for the renewable energy installation. This transformation has turned non-productive land into a valuable clean energy asset, supporting both local development and environmental stewardship.
The workshop brought together policymakers, utilities, engineers, technology providers, and researchers from India and abroad to share experiences and best practices related to battery storage technologies. Participants explored policy frameworks, operational strategies, and technological innovations that are shaping the deployment of energy storage systems in the country. The site visit offered an opportunity to observe real-time operations and understand the practical challenges and benefits associated with integrating large-scale storage with solar power generation.
The Rajnandgaon BESS project reflects the significant progress being made in India’s energy transition. By combining renewable energy with storage infrastructure, it strengthens system flexibility, enhances the reliability of the power grid, and contributes to the broader goal of sustainable and secure energy supply. The collaboration among IGEF-SO, KfW, and CBIP demonstrates the value of international partnerships and knowledge sharing in accelerating clean energy solutions and supporting India’s long-term renewable energy ambitions.