Technological innovations addressing renewable energy intermittency

Advanced energy storage and smart grids are crucial for stabilising intermittent renewable energy. In contrast, government policies that promote private investment and green energy access are key to reducing emissions in India’s power sector.

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Innovation in the energy sector is essential for achieving energy security goals in India. Among the ongoing innovations, large pumped hydroelectric storage plants are identified as promising technologies, especially with the development of new efficient hydro turbines and control systems. At the same time, solutions like nuclear-based power generation using small modular reactors (SMR) have been studied. This technology is fast reaching commercialisation. Let us know more from Shirish Garud.

How can advanced storage technologies enhance India's renewable energy grid stability?

India currently has a gridconnected RE capacity of 201.46 GW, which has reached 44.5 percent of the total installed capacity of 452.69 GW. The share of dispatchable RE (large hydro) is about 10.37 percent (46.92 GW); the balance of 34.14 percent is mostly intermittent RE (solar and wind), with a small share of bioenergy and RE with integrated storage plants.