India Mandates Two-Hour Energy Storage for Solar Projects

22 Feb 2025 CW Team

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)

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..