Mylatti BESS project to be commissioned in October, says Power Minister Sunny Joseph

Power Minister Sunny Joseph announced on Monday that the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Kasaragod district is progressing well and is set to be commissioned by October, according to reports. During an on-site inspection at the Mylatti substation in Uduma gram panchayat, the minister reviewed the progress of the BESS initiatives and confirmed their readiness for commissioning by the end of the month. The projects, which are being carried out by the Kerala State Electricity Board, aim to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the district's power distribution network while supporting a transition toward renewable energy systems. The BESS project at the 220 kV Mylatti substation is designed to store surplus solar power generated during the day and release it during evening hours when demand peaks. This will help stabilize voltage levels, mitigate power shortages, and reduce the need for the state utility to purchase expensive electricity from external sources. As a result, the financial burden on the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEBL) is expected to decrease significantly. The project, developed under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model by JSW Energy Limited, has a capacity of 125 MW/500 MWh and can store up to 5 lakh units of electricity per day. Notably, it marks the first four-hour battery storage project of its kind in India. Major civil works at the Mylatti site are projected to be completed by July 31. Inverter supplies from overseas are anticipated this month, with battery containers arriving by the end of August. The project is slated for final commissioning by October 16, 2026. Meanwhile, another BESS initiative at the 110 kV Mulleria substation in Karadaka gram panchayat is also advancing. This project, managed by NHPC and developed by Opera Energy under the BOO model, has a capacity of 15 MW/60 MWh and can store 60,000 units of electricity daily. Transformer deliveries and inverter installations have already been completed, with sample testing ongoing and battery containers expected by August 20. Completion of this project is targeted for October 15, 2026. The minister emphasized that these BESS projects represent a long-term investment with a 12-year operational lifespan. They are intended to meet growing electricity demands in Kasaragod, promote industrial and agricultural development, boost tourism, and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Additionally, the systems will serve as a reliable backup power source during emergencies. The review meeting held at the Mylatti site included participation from several key officials, including MLA K. Neelakandan, KSEBL Director M.P. Rajan, Transmission Chief Engineer Shaji Sudhakaran, Renewable Energy Systems Deputy Chief Engineer Asha Martin, Kasaragod Executive Engineer Sivadasan S, and a representative from JSW Energy. Both BESS projects are part of broader efforts to integrate renewable energy into the grid and improve grid stability. By leveraging stored solar energy, the systems will contribute to reducing intermittency issues associated with solar power generation. This approach aligns with national goals to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's power mix. The successful implementation of these projects could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other regions facing similar challenges. Officials remain optimistic about the timely completion of both projects and their potential impact on regional energy security and sustainability.