Record-low battery storage bids raise project viability concerns

Record-low bids to build battery energy storage systems in India have sparked fears that some projects could be economically unviable and even pose safety risks, industry experts and analysts say, hindering a push for renewable power.

- reuters

The move is hindering a push for renewable power.

(AFP)

The takeoff of battery projects is critical for India’s ambition to double renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, as its grid operator curtails excess power.

India has tendered out 83 GWh battery storage capacity since 2021, but needs to step up the pace to meet its 2032 need for 236 GWh of storage, the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) says.

Of the 83 GWh tendered, nearly 36 GWh of projects have been awarded and 15.4 GWh are in the open tender stage, while 18 GWh are being built and projects for about 8 GWh have been cancelled.