Once upon a time, in a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, businesses faced a challenge. They yearned to embrace the clean, green power of renewable energy-the boundless energy of the sun and the relentless force of the wind. Yet, these very strengths also presented a limitation: the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. This inherent variability made relying solely on solar and wind a complex equation for consistent power needs, especially for energy-hungry corporations.
But just like ingenious inventors in a captivating tale, scientists and engineers embarked on a quest to weave together these intermittent wonders into a reliable,constant energy source. They envisioned a future where businesses could confidently power their operations, day and night, rain or shine, entirely with renewable energy. This vision began to take shape as Round the Clock Renewables (RE-RTC).
So, what exactly is this Round the Clock magic?
RE-RTC is the concept of providing a continuous and dependable supply of renewable energy, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It moves beyond the traditional model of relying solely on the instantaneous generation of solar or wind and incorporates clever strategies to ensure a steady flow of green power.
Now, let's peek behind the curtain and understand the science that makes this possible.
Imagine a sprawling field bathed in sunlight. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, like silent sentinels, capture the sun’s radiant energy and convert it directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This fascinating phenomenon occurs when photons of light strike semiconductor materials within the panels, knocking electrons loose and creating an electrical current. The more intense the sunlight, the more electricity is generated – a beautiful dance between nature and technology.
Next, picture vast landscapes where elegant wind turbines stand tall, their blades gracefully turning in the breeze. These modern marvels harness the kinetic energy of the wind. As the wind pushes against the blades, it causes them to rotate, turning a central shaft connected to a generator. Through the principles of electromagnetic induction, this mechanical motion is transformed into electrical energy. The stronger and more consistent the wind, the greater the power output.
Source: CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
But what happens when the sun dips below the horizon or the wind stills? This is where our third hero enters the stage: battery storage. Think of these as giant rechargeable power banks. During periods of high solar and wind generation, when more electricity is produced than immediately needed, the excess energy is channelled into these batteries and stored chemically. When the sun sets or the wind dies down, the stored electrical energy can be released on demand, providing a consistent power supply. The science behind these batteries involves complex electrochemical reactions, where the movement of ions between electrodes creates and releases electrical current. Advanced battery technologies are constantly being developed to improve their efficiency, storage capacity, and lifespan.
The synergy between these three – solar capturing daylight’s bounty, wind harnessing nature’s breath, and batteries acting as reliable reservoirs – forms the core of RE-RTC. Sophisticated control systems and smart grid technologies orchestrate this interplay, deciding when to draw power directly from generation, when to store it, and when to release it to meet demand.
Source: CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
How Round the Clock Renewable Energy Empowers Corporate Growth
- Lower Energy Costs
Procuring RE-RTC power through Open Access allows corporations to bypass traditional state-owned distribution companies (DISCOMs). This not
only opens the door to lower electricity tariffs by avoiding DISCOM charges and enabling direct negotiation with generators, but also helps businesses tap into renewable energy incentives. With direct Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and economies of scale in large RE-RTC projects, the cost benefits become even more compelling.Recent market trends reinforce this: RE-RTC tariffs have ranged between ₹4.0 to ₹4.5 per unit, significantly lower than the ₹5.2 per unit discovered in recent medium-term coal-based power bids. For corporates, this translates to long-term savings, price stability, and progress towards sustainability targets all without compromising on power reliability.
- Lower Energy Costs
- Reliable Power Supply: Meeting Peak Demands and Ensuring
Operational Continuity:
Many C&I consumers find it difficult to meet peak power demands with standalone solar or wind solutions, leading to reliance on thermal energy. RE – RTC changes this equation. By integrating solar, wind, and battery storage, it offers a continuous, 24×7 power supply, ensuring operational continuity, minimizing downtime, and supporting high-performance infrastructure.Beyond reliability, RE -RTC helps corporates advance their environmental goals. It reduces carbon footprints, enhances ESG performance, and positions companies as future-ready leaders in the transition to a green economy.
- Reliable Power Supply: Meeting Peak Demands and Ensuring
- Long-Term Contracts: Predictability and Stability
Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for RE-RTC offer price certainty, shielding corporations from volatile fossil fuel costs and grid tariff changes. This predictability in energy expenses allows for better long-term financial planning, budgeting, and investment decisions.
- Long-Term Contracts: Predictability and Stability
- Resilience Built In: Powering Through Uncertainty
One of the greatest advantages of RE-RTC lies in its ability to provide a consistent and reliable power source, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Thanks to battery energy storage systems, RE-RTC can store surplus power generated during peak hours and release it during periods of low or no generation. For C&I customers with critical loads- like manufacturing lines, data centres, or healthcare facilities this means fewer interruptions, minimized downtime,and business continuity without compromise. It’s not just green power; it’s dependable power when it matters most.
- Resilience Built In: Powering Through Uncertainty
- Competitive Advantage: Sustainability as a Differentiator
Transitioning to RE-RTC enhances brand reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors. It helps meet stakeholder
expectations, potentially opens access to green markets, drives internal efficiency, and attracts talent, ultimately providing a significant competitive edge in a sustainability-focused market.
As the world races toward a net-zero future, Round the Clock Renewables are proving to be a powerful tool in the corporate sustainability arsenal. By combining solar, wind, and battery storage, RE-RTC offers the holy grail of green power: reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility. For forward-thinking businesses, this model not only ensures energy security but also provides a competitive edge in a climate-conscious economy.
At Fourth Partner Energy, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transition, helping C&I consumers unlock the true potential of renewable energy, round the clock. With our deep expertise in engineering hybrid clean energy solutions and enabling Open Access PPAs, we empower businesses to lead the green energy revolution, every hour of every day.