In a significant development for India’s renewable energy landscape, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) witnessed the release of a groundbreaking study titled “Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technologies.” The study, conducted by a team of researchers from IIT Roorkee, led by Prof. Arun Kumar, was unveiled by Shri BS Bhalla, the Secretary of MNRE, on November 29, 2023, at Atal Akshaya Urja Bhawan, MNRE, New Delhi.
This pioneering initiative aims to delve into diverse energy storage solutions crucial for India’s sustainable energy future. The comprehensive study addresses critical aspects of the power sector, shedding light on the imperative need for a resilient and sustainable energy landscape in the country. The focus areas of the study encompassed policy recommendations for the Power Sector Vision, regulatory frameworks for enhanced flexibility, and a techno-economic analysis of grid-scale storage technologies.
Among the various energy storage solutions explored in the study, mechanical options such as pumped storage hydro, compressed air energy storage, flywheel, and gravity storage were thoroughly investigated. Electrochemical solutions, including lithium-ion and flow batteries/vanadium redox, as well as solar thermal solutions like sensible-molten salt, were also scrutinized. The study further delved into chemical solutions, including power-to-power (fuel cells) and power-to-gas (electrolysis).
The findings of the study underscored the need for proactive policy measures, robust regulatory frameworks, and strategic investments to drive the adoption of advanced grid-scale energy storage technologies. The report presents a roadmap for informed decision-making and transformative initiatives in India’s renewable energy landscape.
One of the key outcomes of the study is the set of policy recommendations for power sector vision, regulatory frameworks for enhanced flexibility, and a detailed techno-economic analysis of grid-scale storage technologies. These recommendations are designed to encourage the adoption and manufacturing of suitable energy storage technologies in India. The study emphasizes the importance of pilot projects showcasing emerging energy storage technology and calls for government support, especially in the form of research and development funding.
The study also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with different energy storage technologies, considering factors such as technology readiness level, deployment status in India, manufacturing status, supply chain maturity, market readiness, life cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, and legal regulations. The comprehensive approach taken by the researchers provides a holistic view of the energy storage landscape in India.
Furthermore, the study places a spotlight on grid-scale technologies, focusing on projects with a single point of interconnection having an installed capacity of more than 5 MW. While the study does not cover the aggregation of rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and other small-scale energy storage technologies, it does emphasize the need for a national scheme for advanced grid-scale energy storage technology. In conclusion, the release of this study marks a significant milestone in shaping India’s energy future. The recommendations put forth provide a roadmap for policymakers and regulators to foster the development, adoption, and manufacturing of advanced grid-scale energy storage technologies, playing a pivotal role in India’s sustainable energy journey.
Please view the full report here.
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