Energy storage is today the only way to reduce our carbon footprint, and become a country reliant on clean energy!
In the last few years, India has been making huge strides in transitioning to renewable energy, and is today, one of the top 10 countries in the world utilising solar power. However, there is still potential that remains untapped, and to make renewable energy a successful source to answer all power needs, it is important to have a means to store the surplus power generated.
This is because non-conventional energy sources, like Solar, Wind, and Hydro, among others, do not have a constant production. For instance, while it might not be possible to harness the power of the sun at night, with energy storage solutions, one can use the stored energy, based on the requirement, irrespective of whether the power is being generated at the time or not. In fact, energy storage is today the only way to reduce our carbon footprint, and become a country reliant on clean energy!
Currently, there is a severe lack of utility scale energy storage solutions across the sector. While developments are in place, the implementation needs to be quick and efficient. It was only recently that renewable energy achieved certain economies of scale, leading to them becoming comparatively affordable and accessible. This has made it possible to consider renewable energy as a viable option, and has led to the development of a wide range of supporting infrastructure, including investments in robust energy storage solutions. It has also been possible, in large part, due to the innovative technology now available to companies in the
storage space, and the development of cutting edge solutions and batteries.
With the Government aiming for 100% electrification of households under SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana), coupled with the growing demand for non-conventional sources to power energy needs, the need is urgent. However, as we, as a nation, take an expedited growth path towards the elimination of power deficiency and transition to renewable energy, not having a system to store the energy generated on the grid presents a huge barrier.
In addition to that, most grids in the country are thermal-fed. The hesitation to transition is based on the fluctuations that are seen in the output, making direct grid connectivity an area of concern. While during the day, there is a balance, the usage witnesses a peak during evening. Energy storage solutions or batteries provide the option for the requisite linear output that can address many of these challenges.
2018 remains a turning point with respect to energy storage and when conversations around it becoming mainstream. Globally, nations are accepting and understanding the importance of energy storage solutions and incorporating it in energy tenders. In the United States, experts have shared that in the next 3 – 4 years, all tenders pertaining to renewable energy will have mandatory clauses regarding energy storage. This was an important step towards taking initiatives for the deployment of large scale solutions. Looking towards India, recently, there were reports of SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) ensuring its tender for renewable projects in Lakshadweep, to include energy storage, based on guidelines set by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
With growing traction in the floating solar and electric vehicle segments, the focus on energy storage solutions has increased many fold, as a result of which, it has moved beyond traditional segments. The success of the EV segment, especially, relies mostly on an efficient energy storage solution. This has led to both traditional battery companies and new entrants realising the potential of aligning their focus towards developing Lithium-ion batteries that can provide the requisite push.
The evolving technological landscape of the energy sector has made energy storage a reality for solar power. Considerable developments in the domain have also led to several major players including energy storage in their IPP projects, or extending their offerings towards making e-mobility a reality. This, in turn, has had a resulting effect on the capacity to expand its reach and realise its potential. To make it a reality, the industry needs the support of the Government, through subsidies and schemes that will make energy storage accessible and affordable.
Today, it is imperative to develop energy storage as a focussed revenue generating segment of India Inc., which is balancing economic output with sustainability, and taking India forward, towards a greener tomorrow.
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About Sunil Rathi
Sunil Rathi is the Director-Sales & Marketing in Waaree Energies Ltd. He has expertise acquired over 24 years in solar energy and power electronics industry. His circuitry in the industry aids implementing New Market entry & Business Strategies and forging strategic alliances.
Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes
