Battery energy storage system BESS
The regulations, notified on Oct 16, establish rules for the development, ownership, procurement, scheduling, operation and commercial arrangements of battery storage projects. Ahmedabad: Amid an unprecedented surge in electricity demand and efforts to rationalise power consumption, the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has notified a comprehensive regulatory framework for grid-connected Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), aimed at reducing renewable energy wastage and improving the availability of stored power during peak hours. The framework is expected to facilitate greater integration of solar and wind power while strengthening grid stability. regulatory framework for grid-connected Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) The framework provides for multiple storage models, including battery systems co-located with renewable and conventional power plants, standalone storage facilities, transmission-linked projects to ease congestion, distribution-linked systems for peak management, and consumer-level storage, including electric vehicle-linked applications and vehicle-to-grid integration. Co-located battery systems will generally be scheduled alongside their associated generating stations, while standalone projects will be scheduled independently.
The State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) will retain overriding authority to issue dispatch instructions during grid disturbances and curtail or reschedule battery operations when required to protect grid security. It must also develop procedures for scheduling and sharing transmission-linked costs within two months. The regulations mandate compliance with Central Electricity Authority standards, cybersecurity requirements and battery waste management rules.