India’s energy storage sector is set to receive a major boost with the publication of the Indian Technology Catalogue on Energy Storage, jointly developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Danish Energy Agency. The document aims to support long-term energy planning, improve electricity grid reliability and guide investments in emerging energy storage technologies as the country expands its renewable energy capacity.
The catalogue provides standardized, transparent and comparable technical and economic information on various energy storage technologies, with data adapted to Indian conditions. It is designed to help government institutions, electricity system planners, policymakers and private sector stakeholders evaluate available storage solutions and make informed decisions for future energy infrastructure development.
The growing share of solar and wind power in India’s electricity mix has increased the need for advanced energy storage systems. Since renewable energy generation depends on weather conditions and varies throughout the day, storage technologies are becoming essential for balancing electricity supply and demand. They can also help maintain grid stability, improve power quality and ensure a reliable electricity supply during periods of low renewable generation.
The catalogue classifies electrical energy storage technologies into four major categories: mechanical, electrochemical, electrical and thermal storage. Among these, lithium-ion batteries remain the leading technology for short- and medium-duration storage applications because of their high efficiency, fast response and established commercial presence.
The document highlights two major lithium-ion battery technologies: Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP). NMC batteries offer high energy density, making them suitable for applications where space is limited. LFP batteries, on the other hand, are increasingly preferred for stationary energy storage because of their improved thermal stability, enhanced safety characteristics and relatively lower raw material costs.
The catalogue also examines emerging battery technologies that could reduce dependence on lithium and cobalt. Sodium-ion batteries are gaining attention because they use widely available sodium resources and offer an alternative to conventional lithium-based systems. Vanadium redox flow batteries are another important technology, particularly for long-duration storage. Their ability to scale power and energy capacities independently makes them suitable for large stationary storage applications.
Mechanical energy storage technologies also receive significant attention. Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) are among the most established solutions for large-scale electricity storage. These projects use two water reservoirs at different elevations, pumping water to the upper reservoir when electricity is available and releasing it through turbines when power is required. Pumped storage accounts for more than 90 per cent of global grid-scale energy storage, according to the information presented in the catalogue. It can provide large storage capacity, rapid ramping and important grid services, including black start and inertia support.
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is another technology highlighted for bulk electricity management. It stores energy by compressing air and keeping it in underground caverns. Traditional systems use diabatic configurations, while advanced adiabatic systems incorporate thermal energy storage to improve efficiency and avoid fuel consumption.
The document also covers molten salt thermal storage, which is mainly associated with concentrated solar power and thermal electricity generation. This technology stores heat for extended periods and helps manage fluctuations in electricity generation.
By bringing technical and economic information on different storage solutions into a common framework, the CEA and Danish Energy Agency aim to strengthen India’s energy planning capabilities. The catalogue is expected to support technology selection, project development and investment decisions as the country increases its renewable energy capacity.
The development and deployment of suitable storage technologies will play an important role in India’s clean energy transition. These solutions will be critical to improving grid flexibility, reducing dependence on conventional power sources and supporting the country’s long-term target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
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