India’s High Electricity Demands Advance Energy Storage Technology

With the growing population, India also witnessing a surge in the electricity demand. However, the country also ranks third-largest producer of electricity with 1624 billion units (BU) in 2022-23. The traditional way of producing power with water and coal is not sustainable and hazardous to the environment. Therefore in the last few decades, generating electricity from renewable resources (Solar, Windmill and Biomass) has popped up as an innovative and sustainable idea. In India, 172 GW of power is generated through renewable resources. 

Coordinating high power demand along with sustaining the environment requires advancement in grid-scale energy storage technology that functions as the warehouse of the generated power and can be used when needed. 

In the same direction, Secretary, of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), BS Bhalla released a comprehensive study titled "Advanced Grid-Scale Energy Storage Technologies," conducted by IIT Roorkee. This innovative initiative aims to explore diverse energy storage solutions critical for India's sustainable energy future. 

The study revolves around the need, significance and variety of grid-scale technologies that will be helpful for the country to store energy in the long run. 

There are a total of eight energy storage technologies based on working, challenges, opportunities deployment status. Pumped Storage Hydropower, Compressed Air Energy Storage, Solid Gravity Energy Storage and Flywheel Energy Storage. 

According to the report, the definition and details of Energy Storage and technologies are well explained in the Electricity Act 2003. The report also reveals that some technologies suit the country more but the components which can accelerate the functioning of such technologies are not manufactured in India. 

According to the Electricity Act 2003 mentioned in the report, government authorities are required to form a comprehensive policy and develop a proper roadmap to escalate the energy storage target for the country.