India is preparing to introduce mandatory battery storage requirements for new government-backed renewable energy projects, as the country looks to manage growing fluctuations in solar and wind power generation.
Under draft regulations prepared by the Central Electricity Authority, all new solar and onshore wind projects commissioned after July 1, 2027, would need to have 2-hour battery storage equivalent to at least 10% of their capacity.
The requirement would become stricter from July 2029. The minimum storage duration would increase to 4 hours, while the 10% capacity requirement would remain unchanged.
The proposal comes as India rapidly expands its renewable energy capacity but faces increasing challenges in balancing variable solar and wind generation.
Battery storage can absorb surplus electricity when generation is high and release it when demand rises. This can help reduce power curbs that have become increasingly common.
India, the world’s 3rd-largest solar power generator, curtailed nearly 14% of its solar power output between April and June. The curtailment was linked to surplus clean energy during daytime hours and limited transmission infrastructure to move the electricity.
The draft regulations also propose that clean energy projects commissioned after July 2027 must include grid-forming inverter capabilities.
Grid-forming technologies can support voltage and frequency stability across the power grid. Their role is expected to become increasingly important as renewable energy takes a larger share of India’s overall power mix.
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