Empowering the Grid: The Rising Role of Energy Storage in India’s Renewable Future

In a world racing toward decarbonization, energy storage systems—particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)—have moved from being an afterthought to taking center stage in energy strategy. Over the years, my personal and professional journey in renewables has been deeply intertwined with the evolution of storage technologies. Today, storage isn’t just a technical supplement—it is the linchpin that can transform renewable energy from an intermittent resource into the backbone of modern electricity grids.

A Turning Point: A Decade in the Making

I was once invited to speak at a seminar in 2008, hosted at a prestigious university in Chandigarh, where I was part of a panel discussion on the future of renewable energy. One of the fellow panellists was a senior official from the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB). During the session, after I had passionately presented the case for renewables, he made a strong remark: “Whatever we do, coal will remain the backbone of electricity. Renewable energy simply can’t provide power round the clock and can never replace thermal.” At that moment, I had to acknowledge his point—it was a reality we couldn’t deny back then. Storage technology was still in its infancy and extremely expensive, and grid reliance on coal was undeniable. But something in me firmly believed that the day would come when we would have the tools to challenge that assumption. That belief stayed with me, and exactly ten years later, in 2019, we designed a 50 MWh grid-scale energy backup system for a large-scale grid connected Solar Power project in Mali—the region’s first such initiative. That project was a validation of a vision I’d carried since that seminar: that energy storage would one day enable renewables to truly power the world.

Why Energy Storage Is the Game-Changer

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently variable. The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. While generation technologies have advanced rapidly, grid operators still face challenges in balancing supply and demand in real time. This is where BESS comes in. Modern BESS technology enables time-shifting of energy—charging during periods of excess generation and discharging during peak demand or grid stress. It provides grid stability, frequency regulation, and even black start capabilities. Storage is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for integrating high levels of renewable energy into the grid

India’s Bold Step Forward: Policy Meets Ambition

Recognizing this shift, the Indian government recently introduced a policy mandating that all renewable energy projects coming up after April 2025 must include at least 20% of their capacity in battery storage. This landmark move aligns with India’s COP26 pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and derive 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030

Key Statistics Driving This Transition:

• India’s energy storage market grew 1.7 times in 2024, with a total pipeline of 114 GWh (20 GWh BESS + 91 GWh pumped hydro).

• Standalone BESS tender prices plummeted to ?2.19 lakhs/MW/month in 2024, down from ?10.83 lakhs/MW/month in 2022, driven by falling battery costs and government subsidies.

• The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) projects a cumulative demand of 250 GWh of BESS by 2032, positioning India alongside global leaders like the U.S. and China.

This policy addresses two critical goals:

 1. Grid Reliability:

 Ensuring firm power delivery even when renewables underperform.

2. Energy Security:

Reducing fossil fuel dependency and decentralizing power infrastructure.

Global Landscape vs. India: Accelerating Leadership

Globally, energy storage is already gaining momentum. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported 45 GW (90 GWh) of new battery storage capacity in 2023, led by China and the U.S. In comparison, India’s installed BESS capacity remains under 500 MWh, but the nation is poised for exponential growth:

 • 50 GW storage target by 2030, supported by initiatives like the National Energy Storage Mission.

 • Cost Efficiency: Grid-scale lithium-ion battery prices have dropped to ?12,000/kWh, while pumped hydro offers storage at ?2-3/kWh

Linking Storage to Net-Zero Targets

India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement commits to reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and scaling non-fossil capacity to ~50%. Storage is critical to achieving these targets:

• 29 GWh of BESS moved to execution in 2024, with 178 MWh already commissioned. Without storage, India risks curtailing excess renewable generation and failing to meet peak demand—a scenario that would derail its 1 billion tonnes CO2 reduction pledge by 2030.

Our Commitment at Prasino Tech

At Prasino Tech, we’ve integrated storage into projects ranging from African microgrids to hybrid solar-storage systems in India. Our focus areas include:

• Standalone BESS optimized for grid stability.

• Peak load management for industries.

• Green hydrogen and EV charging synergies.

We aim to make clean energy as reliable as coal— without the carbon.

Looking Ahead

 What was once a debate in a university hall is now an unfolding reality. Energy storage is commercially viable, policy-backed, and globally scalable. As India strides toward its net-zero goals, leadership will be defined not just by generation capacity but by intelligent storage deployment. The numbers speak clearly: 250 GWh by 2032, 50% renewables by 2030, and 45% lower emissions intensity are within reach—if we prioritize storage as the cornerstone of our energy transition. The journey from coal-dependent grids to 24/7 renewable power is no longer a dream. It’s a transformation we’re proud to engineer.