EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Indian integrated power company Tata Power has deployed 60 MWh of operational Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across three locations in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The installations at Mahalaxmi, Saki and Mankhurd are part of the company's electricity distribution network, which serves over 8 lakh consumers. Announced on 6 November 2026, the deployment forms part of Tata Power's larger 200 MWh BESS initiative for Mumbai.

The systems store electricity during lower-cost solar hours and discharge it during evening peak demand periods. This energy arbitrage arrangement is intended to optimise power procurement costs and reduce dependence on higher-priced electricity during peak hours. The installations also support electricity demand management across the distribution network.

The BESS installations have fast-response and high ramp-rate capabilities to manage fluctuations in electricity demand. These features allow the distribution network to adjust to changing load requirements. According to Tata Power, the systems operate at approximately 1–1.5 cycles per day, supporting peak load management and power procurement optimisation.

The systems are grid-connected and deployed across three separate locations in Mumbai. This decentralised arrangement provides localised electricity storage and dispatch capabilities within the distribution network. The installations also include black-start functionality to support electricity supply restoration during power system disturbances.

In April 2025, Tata Power received approval from the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to deploy 200 MWh of BESS capacity across 10 strategic locations in Mumbai. The 60 MWh now operational at Mahalaxmi, Saki and Mankhurd forms part of this approved programme.

The larger initiative is intended to improve grid stability, manage peak electricity demand and support reactive power management. It also includes provisions for faster restoration of electricity supply to critical infrastructure during power disturbances. The infrastructure identified by Tata Power includes hospitals, Metro services, airports and data centres.

Tata Power is implementing the BESS programme as part of its electricity distribution infrastructure development in Mumbai. The operational systems provide energy arbitrage, demand management and localised electricity dispatch capabilities. The planned 200 MWh deployment is intended to improve distribution network flexibility and support electricity supply reliability across the city. The company has also identified intelligent grid management and battery storage as components of its approach to managing Mumbai's electricity requirements.