The Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) is set to launch a new project at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station: a 200-megawatt (MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This is the first time TNPGCL is exploring battery storage at a thermal power plant.

Traditionally, battery storage has been used with solar and wind power. However, by adding batteries to a thermal plant, TNPGCL can store electricity during times when demand is low. This can help avoid frequently shutting down and restarting thermal units, which is a lengthy process taking 10 to 12 hours. By keeping units running steadily, the corporation aims to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.

Officials believe that while the immediate benefits of this pilot project may not be huge given Tamil Nadu's high power demand (which recently hit 20,830 MW), a larger rollout of such systems could ensure a more consistent power supply, reduce blackouts, and cut down on expensive electricity purchases from private companies. 

The project, awaiting state approval, will be supported by the central government's Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme.