India weighs tougher rules in 10GWh battery storage plan

Rules considered are on round-trip efficiency and on the life cycle of the batteries

- Manas Pimpalkhare & Rituraj Baruah

More efficient batteries with longer life cycles could be mandated to address grid stability concerns under a scheme that offers incentives to produce 10 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of utility-scale power storage, said two people aware of the development.

The ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) is likely to suggest two new elements, one of the two people said. “One is the criterion of round-trip efficiency to ensure that out of the energy infused in a battery, the maximum quantum is usable by the battery or grid operator,” the person said on the condition of anonymity. Round-trip efficiency is the percentage of usable energy consumed to charge the battery.

“The other thing being considered is the life cycle of the battery," said the person. Life cycle, or the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged, measures its longevity.

While the MNRE is expected to suggest the new criteria, the final decision will be taken by the heavy industries ministry, said the second person.

Both spoke on the condition of anonymity as discussions are preliminary.

The bidding will start once the decision on the new criteria is made.