Energy Storage in India
By 2030, India aims to attain 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources and reduce its GDP emission intensity by 45% from 2005 levels. Maintaining grid stability and power supply with a lot of variable and intermittent renewable energy is difficult. The variability of renewable energy sources with time, climate, season, and location is a challenge. In this context, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) become critically important. ESS can store renewable energy and be used during peak hours. Energy storage reduces renewable energy generation variability, improves grid stability, enables energy/peak shifting, provides ancillary support services, enables larger renewable energy integration, reduces peak deficit and peak tariffs, reduces carbon emissions, defers transmission and distribution capex, energy arbitrage, etc.
India aims to integrate a total of 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. In line with this goal, the project ̶Energy Storage for Renewable Energy Integration in India (StoREin) ̶supports the creation of favourable framework conditions for the introduction of various energy storage technologies and integrated solutions at the distribution grid level in India. Furthermore, it contributes to bringing the energy transition closer to the local level. In this way, decentralised solutions for the provision and use of renewable energies can make an important contribution to carbon neutrality. This is also particularly important given the fact that large-scale renewable energy projects are increasingly coming under criticism at the community level. At the same time, the project opens up a wide range of opportunities for local and regional stakeholders by promoting a climate change-adapted, economically viable and socially inclusive renewable energy industry.
The project is commissioned under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
| Implementing Organisation | |
| Political Partner | |
| Implementing Partners |
The objective of the project is to advance India's transition to renewable energy and to contribute to its climate targets by addressing challenges associated with intermittent solar and wind energy. Focused on enhancing energy storage capacity at the distribution grid level, the project aims to overcome existing economic barriers and knowledge gaps related to decentralised storage systems. By strengthening policy frameworks, demonstrating financial feasibility through on-the-ground applications, and building awareness and capacity among key stakeholders, the project seeks to facilitate the integration of viable storage solutions.
The project focuses on advancing knowledge through collaborative efforts, seeking to optimise synergies and support India's carbon-neutral initiatives. It engages a diverse array of stakeholder groups, including ministries, electricity commissions, authorities at central, state, and nodal levels, DISCOMs, private companies, hospitals, malls, and other public infrastructure entities.