Serentica Renewables has commissioned the first 200 MWh phase of its planned 1 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Developed with a modular architecture for operational flexibility and rapid response, the project marks Serentica’s entry into utility-scale energy storage for the C&I segment and strengthens its strategy to deliver reliable, round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy to commercial and industrial consumers.
As India accelerates its transition toward a low-carbon economy, the integration of intermittent solar and wind power into the national grid presents both a monumental opportunity and a complex engineering challenge. Heavy industrial consumers—spanning mining, metals, chemicals, and textiles—require continuous, uninterrupted power. Bridging the gap between the variable nature of renewable generation and the demanding requirements of commercial and industrial entities has become the crucial next frontier for the country’s clean energy ecosystem.
The company plans to expand the Bikaner installation to a total storage capacity of 1 GWh, with the remaining 800 MWh planned as Phase 2 and expected to be commissioned in the following quarter.
Enabling 24/7 Renewable Power
Solar and wind power are variable sources of electricity. Solar generation, for example, is highest during the daytime and falls to zero after sunset, while industrial electricity demand can continue throughout the day and night. BESS can help bridge this gap by storing surplus renewable electricity when generation is high and supplying it when demand increases or renewable generation declines.
The Bikaner BESS is designed to follow this operating model. Renewable electricity generated during periods of high production can be stored in the battery and discharged during peak-demand periods and nighttime hours. This enables renewable power to be supplied according to a predefined schedule rather than being limited to the availability of solar or wind resources.
The project will support the delivery of renewable electricity to commercial and industrial customers, including energy-intensive sectors such as mining and metals, chemicals and textiles.
According to Serentica, the Bikaner project supports one of the world’s early time-block-based round-the-clock renewable power supply arrangements for industrial consumers. The project demonstrates how battery storage can help transform intermittent renewable generation into a more reliable and dispatchable electricity supply.
“The commissioning of Phase 1 of our 1 GWh BESS is a significant milestone in our journey to deliver reliable, round-the-clock renewable energy for India’s industrial sector,” said Akshay Hiranandani, CEO of Serentica Renewables.
Building a Larger Battery Storage Pipeline
The newly commissioned project is only the beginning of Serentica’s wider energy-storage plans. The company has announced plans to develop a 7 GWh battery storage pipeline over the next two years as it expands its dispatchable renewable-energy solutions for C&I customers.
Serentica had also begun developing its storage strategy in 2024. In June 2024, the company invited global Expressions of Interest (EoI) for 800 MWh of standalone BESS projects to support its round-the-clock renewable-energy commitments.
The proposed systems included:
- 200 MW / 400 MWh two-hour BESS projects
- 100 MW / 400 MWh four-hour BESS projects
Bikaner Emerging as a Renewable Energy Hub
Rajasthan is one of India’s leading states for utility-scale solar deployment, supported by its strong solar resource and availability of land. More than half of Serentica’s solar portfolio is located in the state, while the company has more than 3.2 GW of operational renewable-energy assets.
Several other major renewable and storage projects are also being developed in the Bikaner region. These include a 1 GW solar PV project by SJVN Green Energy, a 400 MW solar PV + 500 MWh BESS project by ArcelorMittal, a 300 MW solar project by Tata Power for NHPC, and an Avaada project combining 1,560 MWp of solar PV with 2,500 MWh of BESS for FDRE delivery.
Serentica has announced an investment plan of approximately INR 1 trillion (₹1 lakh crore) in Rajasthan, highlighting the scale of its long-term renewable-energy ambitions in the state.
Strengthening the Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) Footprint
Serentica’s storage expansion closely aligns with the evolving regulatory and tendering landscape governed by India’s central nodal agencies. The integration of BESS technology plays an important role in meeting FDRE delivery requirements, enabling developers to supply renewable power during specified periods of demand.
The developer has actively secured large-scale FDRE contracts:
- Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI): Serentica signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 600 MW capacity allocation under the SECI FDRE VII Assured Peak tender—representing the single largest award under the 4,800 MWh competitive solicitation.
- NTPC Limited: The company secured a PPA with NTPC Ltd to supply 200 MW of FDRE power to state distribution companies (DISCOMs) in Uttar Pradesh. This multi-state initiative blends solar, wind, and battery storage assets to ensure reliable delivery during critical demand periods.
With backing from global investment firm KKR, which invested US$400 million in 2022 and made an additional US$250 million commitment in 2023, Serentica is expanding its focus on large-scale storage and dispatchable renewable-energy solutions for C&I consumers.
With its planned 1 GWh Bikaner BESS, expanding 7 GWh storage pipeline, and growing FDRE portfolio, Serentica Renewables is positioning energy storage as a central technology for delivering reliable renewable electricity to India’s industrial sector.
References & Sources
1. Serentica Renewables Official Press Release(August 5, 2026) : https://www.serenticaglobal.com/serentica-renewables-commissions-phase-1-of-its-1-gwh-battery-energy-storage-system-in-bikaner/
2. Energy-Storage News (August 10, 2026): https://www.energy-storage.news/serentica-renewables-commissions-first-phase-of-1gwh-bess-for-round-the-clock-renewable-energy-delivery-in-rajasthan-india/
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