ONGC Tripura Power Company Ltd (OTPCL) and Assam Power Development Corporation Ltd have joined forces to establish a 250 MW battery energy storage system in Assam — a first-of-its-kind project in the northeastern region.
The battery energy storage system being developed by ONGC Tripura Power Company Ltd (OTPCL) and Assam Power Development Corporation Ltd (APDCL) marks a transformative step for energy infrastructure in the northeastern region of India. As the first utility-scale battery storage project in this part of the country, it aims to strengthen grid stability, improve power reliability, and enhance the integration of renewable energy into Assam’s electricity supply.
The system is designed to store solar-generated electricity during the day and release it during peak demand hours, particularly at night when solar generation ceases. This capability is crucial for addressing the challenge of intermittency associated with solar energy. Officials note that the project could significantly improve energy reliability and solar power utilization in the area.
“We’ve formed a joint venture with Assam Power Development Corporation to set up this 250-MW battery energy system,” an OTPCL official stated. “This new technology will enable storage of solar power for use during evening peaks or nighttime.”
The project will be implemented in phases, acknowledging that utility-scale battery storage is still a relatively emerging concept in India. Describing the system as a “warehouse for electricity,” the official explained that solar energy stored during the day will be dispatched when it’s most needed — during high-demand periods or when solar input is unavailable.
By reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enabling cleaner energy usage, this venture is expected to set a precedent for similar projects in other northeastern states. It also provides an opportunity to build regional technical capabilities and create new employment opportunities in the green energy sector.
