• The draft National Energy Storage Mission expects to kick-start grid-connected energy storage in India, set up aregulatory framework, and encourage indigenous manufacture of batteries.
• The draft has been submitted to the Ministry, and will be released for public feedback in the next few months.
• The draft sets a “realistic target” of 15-20 gigawatt hours (GWh) of grid-connected storage within the next five years.
• Power grids do not currently use storage options that would help in smoothly integrating renewable energy sources.
• The mission will focus on seven verticals: indigenous manufacturing; an assessment of technology and cost trends; a policy and regulatory framework; financing, business models and market creation; research and development; standards and testing; and grid planning for energy storage.
• Renewable energy sources now make up almost one-fifth of India’s total installed power capacity.
• However, as power grids increase their share of solar and wind energy, the problem remains that the peak supply of renewable sources does not always meet peak demand.
• For instance, solar energy generation may be at its peak at noon, but unless stored, it will not be available when needed to light up homes at night. Moreover, renewable sources are inherently intermittent: there are days when the wind doesn’t blow or the sky is cloudy.
• Currently, the lithium ion cells needed for battery storage are not manufactured in India, although major players, including Indian Oil Corporation and Exide, are working to develop indigenous manufacturing capacity.

Source:TH