GRID EVOLUTION DEMANDS BETTER STORAGE IDEAS

Energy storage infrastructure challenges are expected to increase as modular Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) become a core component of grid flexibility.

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The Indian energy sector is at a crucial juncture, showcasing remarkable progress while preparing for future challenges. In FY 2024-25, the country reached a record peak power demand of 250 GW and reduced energy shortages to just 0.1 per cent, marking a historic milestone in power generation, transmission, and distribution (T&D). This achievement reflects the effectiveness of national grid management and the increasing efficiency of energy infrastructure.

However, power demand is rising rapidly due to urbanisation, industrialisation, and climate-induced stress, such as prolonged heatwaves. By FY 2031-32, the peak power demand is projected to soar to 388 GW. Despite current gains, we are likely to face power shortages by 2027 if infrastructure upgrades lag behind demand. In response, the country is accelerating the deployment of smart grid systems and modern transmission and distribution (T&D) technologies to improve load balancing while integrating distributed generation and minimising transmission losses.

Simultaneously, renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind energy, are experiencing strong growth. As a result, this helps reduce dependency on fossil fuels. As we move toward the government's renewable energy targets, this growth is expected to peak within the next five years. However, the intermittent nature of renewables poses challenges to grid stability, which intensifies the need for robust energy storage solutions.

Energy storage is evolving from a value-added feature to an operational necessity for a resilient and future-ready grid. Battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped hydro and hybrid energy models are now essential for maintaining grid flexibility. This manages peak loads and ensures continuous power availability around the clock in the era of the clean energy transition.