India's 47 GW Battery, 23 GW Pumped Storage Pipeline
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
India has nearly 47 GW of battery energy storage and 23 GW of pumped storage projects in the pipeline, as informed by the power ministry in Parliament. This storage push is critical for integrating renewable energy and meeting peak electricity demand, with investments of about Rs 4.8 lakh crore required by 2031-32.
Background
India is rapidly expanding renewable energy capacity, which requires large-scale energy storage to ensure grid reliability. The National Electricity Plan (Generation) projects a need for 47 GW battery storage and 27 GW pumped storage by 2031-32.
Key facts
As of June 30, nearly 16 GW of BESS capacity was under construction, 12 GW awarded, and 19 GW at tendering stage.
On pumped storage, 16 GW is under construction and 7 GW has received concurrence awaiting construction.
India requires investments of about Rs 4.8 lakh crore in energy storage by 2031-32: Rs 3.5 lakh crore for BESS and Rs 1.3 lakh crore for pumped storage.
Since April 2023, 21 GW of thermal power capacity has been commissioned; 48 GW (including 4.8 GW stressed) is under construction.
Contracts awarded for another 16 GW of coal- and lignite-based capacity.
148 GW of renewable capacity is under construction; another 48 GW is planned for completion by 2029-30.
India's installed power generation capacity is projected to reach 874 GW by 2031-32.
Prelims pointers
- BESS: Battery Energy Storage System
- Pumped Storage Projects (PSP)
- National Electricity Plan (Generation)
- Ministry of Power
- Rajya Sabha
- Target year: 2031-32
- Rs 4.8 lakh crore investment estimate
Mains angles
- GS3: Energy – Role of energy storage in renewable integration and grid stability.
- GS3: Infrastructure – Investment requirements and policy support for storage projects.
- GS3: Environment – Impact on reducing fossil fuel dependence and emissions.
- GS2: Government Policies – National Electricity Plan and resource adequacy planning.