E2S Power, a Switzerland-based developer of thermal energy storage solutions, and domestic power utility India Power Corporation Ltd (IPCL), have signed a memorandum of understanding to work closely on transforming fossil fuel power stations in India into thermal storage systems for renewable energy.
Repurposing decommissioned thermal capacity
The Government of India is aiming to achieve 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022, and 500 GW by 2030. At the same time, about 50 GW of coal capacity will be decommissioned in the coming years. The thermal energy storage technology developed by E2S Power offers an opportunity to provide urgently needed energy storage while using most of the infrastructure in thermal power plants being retired and safeguarding jobs.
The collaboration
IPCL and E2S Power will work with major companies in the power and renewable energy sector in India to identify, evaluate and offer optimized integrated thermal energy solutions for existing plants and facilities being phased out.
The collaboration brings together the energy storage technology expertise and global power plant engineering experience of E2S Power and the long-standing utility experience and understanding of the Indian power market from IPCL. This association will help in transforming stressed Thermal power assets into clean energy storage facilities, contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable portfolio.
Perfect fit
“We are very pleased to collaborate with IPCL in India, one of the most important energy markets in the world. The growth in renewable energy capacity and opportunity to utilize valuable existing power infrastructure are a perfect fit for our thermal energy storage technology”, said Dr. Sasha Savic, E2S Power CEO.
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What is TES?
Thermal energy storage (TES), among other available energy storage technologies, is a solution which suits the socio-economic needs of the country. TES can be used for repurposing existing assets which while giving additional life to old projects, also preserves jobs and local transition economy. The levelized cost of TES for 20-25 years of life is lowest among other technology and this technology does not have any bio hazard impact.
Bringing value
“We are very pleased to have technology collaboration with E2S Power in India as a future energy storage solution provider/ developer by repurposing the countries stranded thermal asset and bringing value to the assets,” said Somesh Dasgupta, Whole-time Director, IPCL.
Featured photograph shows E2S Power’s primary product “TWEST”, which constitutes the building block at the heart of the power plant conversion solution. Like the boiler they replace, TWEST modules are integrated into the water-steam cycle between feed water pumps and turbine system. (Description and photograph sourced from E2S Power)
