RVPN Issues SOP for First-Time Charging of BESS in Renewable Projects

Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. (RVPN) has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) governing the integration and first-time charging of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) installed alongside renewable energy (RE) projects across the state.

The directive applies to both already commissioned and upcoming renewable projects being developed under the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, including captive and other project categories. The move is aimed at ensuring grid stability, technical compliance, and safe synchronisation of storage systems with the state transmission network.

According to the order issued by the office of the Chief Engineer (Load Dispatch), the SoP outlines mandatory procedures that must be followed prior to the First Time Charging (FTC) of BESS. The guidelines build upon earlier instructions issued in January 2026 regarding renewable energy connectivity to RVPN grid substations.

The newly issued framework specifies detailed technical requirements for BESS components, including battery systems, power conversion systems (PCS), and battery management systems (BMS). Developers are required to submit comprehensive technical data such as battery chemistry, capacity, lifecycle, efficiency, inverter specifications, and operating conditions as part of the approval process.

In a significant step toward enhanced grid monitoring, RVPN has mandated real-time telemetry of key operational parameters to the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC). These include voltage, current, active and reactive power, state of charge, charging and discharging status, frequency, alarms, and control modes. This will enable grid operators to maintain visibility and control over storage-integrated renewable assets.

The SoP also requires developers to conduct extensive testing and validation before commissioning. These include verification of control systems, protection mechanisms, metering accuracy, and power quality parameters. Additionally, simulation studies must be carried out to demonstrate compliance with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations, covering aspects such as harmonic limits, reactive power capability, frequency response, voltage ride-through performance, and ramp rate control.

RVPN has emphasised that the Power Conversion System must support bi-directional operation, enabling both charging and discharging, and must be capable of advanced grid-support functions such as voltage and frequency regulation, black start capability, and four-quadrant operation.

Further, developers are required to submit detailed simulation models using industry-standard tools such as PSS/E and PSCAD, along with benchmarking reports comparing simulated and actual performance. Post-commissioning, the plant models must be validated against field data within three months to ensure alignment with real-world operating conditions.

The utility noted that while the proposed SoP for BESS integration is yet to receive final approval from the Coordination Committee, developers may proceed based on the current guidelines. However, any modifications approved later will also be applicable to projects implemented under the interim framework.

RVPN has directed all renewable energy developers and generators to strictly adhere to the prescribed procedures, warning that non-compliance could impact grid connectivity and operational approvals.

The move comes as Rajasthan continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and increasingly integrates energy storage systems to manage variability, enhance grid reliability, and optimise power dispatch across the network.