Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) has received regulatory approval to procure 600MW of solar power backed by a battery energy storage system for 25 years at a tariff of ₹3.12 per unit. This is expected to help meet the state’s growing electricity demand and reducing dependence on expensive short-term power purchases.The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) approved the procurement from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). A trading margin of ₹0.07 per unit will be payable to SECI over and above the discovered tariff.The arrangement includes a 300MW battery energy storage system with a capacity of 1,800MWh. While TNPDCL will receive 600MW of solar power during solar-generation hours, the storage system will supply 300MW for six selected hours during the evening and early-morning peak window, between 6pm and 9am the following day. The project is expected to be commissioned within 24 months of the effective date of the power purchase agreement.The utility said long-term procurement at a discovered tariff would help reduce exposure to volatile prices in short-term electricity markets, improve grid stability and support compliance with renewable purchase obligations.
