IndiGrid Commissions India's Largest Standalone BESS in Gujarat at 180 MW / 360 MWh
Landmark Commissioning
IndiGrid, India's first power-sector infrastructure investment trust, has commissioned a 180 MW / 360 MWh standalone battery energy storage system in Gujarat. The project is now the largest operational BESS facility in India, capable of storing two hours of energy at full discharge capacity. It uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells supplied by a leading Chinese manufacturer, with balance-of-plant and power conversion systems sourced from a mix of domestic and international vendors.
The project operates under a long-term capacity contract with Gujarat's state load dispatch centre, providing grid-balancing services during evening peak hours when solar generation tapers off. Revenue comes from a combination of capacity charges and energy arbitrage.
Strategic Significance
Gujarat's position as India's top solar-generating state makes it a natural location for large-scale storage. The state regularly produces surplus solar during midday hours, with generation exceeding demand by 2-3 GW on clear days. IndiGrid's BESS can absorb a portion of this surplus and dispatch it during the 6-10 PM peak window, reducing dependence on gas-fired peaking plants.
What It Means
This commissioning validates the commercial viability of standalone grid-scale BESS in India. It demonstrates that the combination of tariff structures, grid service revenue, and falling battery costs can deliver investable returns, opening the door for larger projects in the 92 GWh national pipeline.