India Mandates Two-Hour Energy Storage for Solar Projects
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India Mandates Two-Hour Energy Storage for Solar Projects

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has mandated that all Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) and state utilities must include a minimum two-hour co-located energy storage system (ESS) equivalent to 10% of installed solar capacity in all solar tenders. Distribution licensees are also advised to consider a similar requirement for rooftop solar installations. 

If fully implemented, this mandate is expected to lead to the installation of around 14 GW/28 GWh of energy storage by 2030. The ESS requirement aims to address solar power intermittency and provide crucial support during peak demand hours. The MoP has recommended that REIAs explicitly mention the storage requirement in bid documents to ensure power availability during non-solar hours. 

This move supports India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 by enhancing grid stability, reliability, and optimal energy utilisation. ESS will help mitigate renewable energy’s intermittency by storing surplus power generated during low-demand periods and discharging it during peak hours. Storage systems can operate in single-cycle mode, charged by nearby solar power and discharged in the evening, or double-cycle mode, drawing power from the grid during low-demand periods and solar power when available. 

As of December 2024, India’s total installed ESS capacity stands at 4.86 GW, comprising 4.75 GW of pumped storage projects and 0.11 GW of battery energy storage systems. According to the National Electricity Plan by the Central Electricity Authority, India will require 73.93 GW/411.4 GWh of storage capacity by 2032 to integrate its targeted 364 GW of solar and 121 GW of wind capacity. 

In 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy set a bidding trajectory of 50 GW annually from FY 2024 to 2028 for all REIAs, including at least 10 GW of wind projects. In recent months, REIAs and state agencies have issued several standalone energy storage tenders to advance this strategy. 

(Mercom)            

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has mandated that all Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs) and state utilities must include a minimum two-hour co-located energy storage system (ESS) equivalent to 10% of installed solar capacity in all solar tenders. Distribution licensees are also advised to consider a similar requirement for rooftop solar installations. If fully implemented, this mandate is expected to lead to the installation of around 14 GW/28 GWh of energy storage by 2030. The ESS requirement aims to address solar power intermittency and provide crucial support during peak demand hours. The MoP has recommended that REIAs explicitly mention the storage requirement in bid documents to ensure power availability during non-solar hours. This move supports India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 by enhancing grid stability, reliability, and optimal energy utilisation. ESS will help mitigate renewable energy’s intermittency by storing surplus power generated during low-demand periods and discharging it during peak hours. Storage systems can operate in single-cycle mode, charged by nearby solar power and discharged in the evening, or double-cycle mode, drawing power from the grid during low-demand periods and solar power when available. As of December 2024, India’s total installed ESS capacity stands at 4.86 GW, comprising 4.75 GW of pumped storage projects and 0.11 GW of battery energy storage systems. According to the National Electricity Plan by the Central Electricity Authority, India will require 73.93 GW/411.4 GWh of storage capacity by 2032 to integrate its targeted 364 GW of solar and 121 GW of wind capacity. In 2023, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy set a bidding trajectory of 50 GW annually from FY 2024 to 2028 for all REIAs, including at least 10 GW of wind projects. In recent months, REIAs and state agencies have issued several standalone energy storage tenders to advance this strategy. (Mercom)            

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?