India is building what state officials describe as the country’s largest battery energy storage system in Bihar, a project aimed at strengthening electricity supply, improving grid stability, and supporting the growing share of renewable energy in the state. The project is being developed in Kajra, located in the Lakhisarai district, and is closely linked with a large solar power initiative. By combining solar generation with battery storage, the system will store electricity produced during the day and supply it during peak demand hours, especially at night when solar power is not available.
According to officials from the state energy department, the overall project will have a total battery storage capacity of 495 MWh, making it the largest battery energy storage installation in the country so far. Alongside this, solar power plants with a combined capacity of 301 megawatts are being set up to generate clean electricity. The integrated design is expected to play a key role in ensuring reliable power supply and reducing pressure on the grid during high-demand periods.
The first phase of the project has already been commissioned. This phase includes a 185 megawatt solar power plant paired with a 254 MWh battery energy storage system. The facility has been constructed on a large site in Kajra and has been successfully connected to the regional power grid. To support efficient power evacuation, a new 132 kV transmission line and a 100 MVA transformer have also been completed. Officials said this infrastructure will allow electricity generated during daylight hours to be stored and then supplied for around four to five hours when demand peaks or when sunlight is unavailable.
The first phase involved an investment of about ₹1,810 crore. Energy department officials said it will help stabilise the electricity supply in nearby areas and reduce outages. The second phase of the project is now under development and will add another 116 MW of solar capacity along with a 241 megawatt-hour battery storage system. This phase is expected to be completed by January 2027, taking the total project capacity to 301 megawatts of solar power and 495 megawatt-hours of battery storage.
The project is part of a broader effort by the Bihar government to ensure reliable, clean, and uninterrupted electricity for households, businesses, and industries. Officials highlighted that the solar-plus-storage model helps address the problem of variability in renewable energy generation. By storing excess renewable power, the grid can deliver consistent electricity even during evening peak hours, which is not possible with conventional solar plants alone.
State leaders and the energy minister have described the project as a major milestone for Bihar’s power infrastructure. They said it will help meet rising demand, improve grid resilience, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support economic growth. Officials also noted that similar battery storage systems are planned at other grid locations across Bihar, reflecting a wider shift toward combining renewable energy with advanced storage solutions to ensure power is available whenever it is needed.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
