CEA To Host Second National Workshop On RE Integration With Energy Storage Systems In Mumbai

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has announced the second phase of its National Workshop on “RE integration through ESS,” scheduled for April 30, 2026. The workshop will be conducted in hybrid mode at the Western Regional Power Committee in Mumbai, allowing both physical and virtual participation. This follows the first phase held in May 2025 in New Delhi and reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening renewable energy integration in the country.

The initiative comes at a time when India is witnessing a rapid increase in renewable energy capacity, making energy storage systems essential for maintaining grid stability. According to CEA estimates, the country will need about 16GW/82GWh of energy storage capacity by 2026-27. This requirement is projected to grow to 74GW/411GWh by 2031-32 and further expand to 320GW/2380GWh by 2047. These projections highlight the urgent need for planning, investment, and collaboration among stakeholders such as developers, utilities, research institutions, and policymakers.

The workshop will focus on key technical and operational areas related to renewable energy and battery energy storage systems. Topics will include safety standards, construction guidelines, and grid connectivity requirements. Special sessions will also discuss the transition from diesel generator sets to rooftop solar systems combined with battery storage, which can reduce both costs and emissions. Another important topic is the use of grid-forming inverters, which help in stabilizing the grid as renewable energy share increases.

Experts from leading institutions like IIT Roorkee, IIT Dharwad, and IIT BHU will take part in the discussions. They will provide insights on how to determine the optimal size of battery energy storage systems at distribution substations and explore their role in providing ancillary services, which are important for balancing electricity supply and demand.

The event will also highlight real project experiences from across the country. Participants will learn about a 35MW solar PV project with a 12MW/57MWh battery storage system in Gujarat and a 100MW solar PV project with a 40MW/120MWh battery system in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. Updates will also be shared on a 300MW/600MWh standalone battery storage project being developed by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

In addition to technical discussions, the workshop will address the full lifecycle of battery systems, including recycling and end-of-life management. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and researchers from IIT Bombay will share their inputs. Private sector participation will include companies such as FIMER and RE-Plus. The workshop is expected to bring together key stakeholders and contribute to building a more reliable and clean energy system in India.