Rooftop solar users have reason to rejoice, solutions for long-standing issues

NEW DELHI: One of the biggest challenges facing Indian states, including Kerala, is the energy crisis, particularly in the electricity sector. Although substantial amounts of electricity are being generated through rooftop solar projects and other initiatives, the inability to store the power produced is one of the reasons limiting their full potential.

According to a report by The Economic Times, India is expected to make a major leap in battery storage capacity in the near future. The country's battery storage capacity is projected to increase nearly 50-fold from its current level by 2032.

The boom in the renewable energy sector has also triggered massive investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This demonstrates that India has recognised the need to significantly increase installed battery storage capacity to support the growth of renewable energy sources. Although numerous new projects have recently been launched in the solar and wind energy sectors, India has not yet been able to fully utilise the electricity generated by these sources.

India's present battery storage capacity stands at just 6.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh). Estimates indicate that this could rise to 302 GWh by 2032. As renewable energy capacity expands, battery storage capacity must also increase accordingly. The India Energy Storage Alliance recently highlighted that such expansion is essential to ensure growth in the sector and improve grid flexibility.

According to estimates, India will require an energy storage capacity of 888 GWh by 2035–36. The country's future plans and progress in this sector are expected to be guided by this projected requirement.