India's Energy Storage Revolution: A Path to 500 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030
Key Ideas
- India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel-based capacity by 2030, requiring extensive deployment of energy storage systems like PSPs, BESS, and green hydrogen.
- Policy interventions by the Ministry of Power include increasing Energy Storage Obligation gradually and encouraging co-location of ESS with solar projects.
- BESS uptake is growing in India with decreasing storage tariffs and government incentives for domestic lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
- Pumped storage projects remain dominant, with 8 operational PSPs in India and many more under construction or in planning stages to support grid stability.
India is on a transformative journey towards achieving 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel-based capacity by 2030, emphasizing the crucial role of energy storage systems (ESS). With 4.86 GW of ESS capacity in place as of December 2024, including PSPs and BESS, the country envisions a significant expansion to accommodate the increasing share of solar and wind energy. The government's proactive approach includes a long-term trajectory for Energy Storage Obligation and advisory notices on co-locating ESS with solar projects to enhance grid stability.
The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) sector in India is witnessing growth, supported by tender auctions and regulatory mandates, with a downward trend in storage tariffs projected by 2030. Recent policy initiatives, like customs tax exemptions and incentives for domestic battery manufacturing, aim to boost the sector further. On the other hand, Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) remain crucial for long-duration storage, with operational plants and many more in various stages of development across states.
The article explores the current status, challenges, and policy interventions around BESS, PSPs, and green hydrogen segments, reflecting a positive sentiment towards India's energy transition. The focus on emerging storage technologies and the government's emphasis on localization and reducing import reliance indicate a promising outlook for the energy storage sector in India.
Topics
Utilities
Renewable Energy
Green Technology
Energy Storage
Power Sector
Policy Frameworks
Policy Initiatives
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