Grid-Scale Battery Storage and Real-Time Monitoring to Enhance Green Energy Integration: MNRE Secretary's Insights

Government Initiatives for Renewable Energy and Grid Expansion

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, led by Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi, is working to develop grid-scale battery storage and expand transmission infrastructure to ensure a 24/7 supply of renewable energy. Key initiatives include:

• Digital Twin Systems: Real-time monitoring of networks and improving grid integration through collaboration with power distribution companies.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Crucial in meeting peak demand, with a projected peak demand of 265-270 GW this year.
• Renewable Energy Capacity Addition: Expected to be 50 GW by the end of the current fiscal year and similar additions in FY27.
• Grid Expansion: Coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, including a 43 GWh battery energy storage system approved under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme.
• Digital Twins and Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems: Enhancing the ability of distribution companies (discoms) to manage renewable energy, with pilots conducted in Jaipur, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Maharashtra.

Green Energy Corridor Phase III

Read also: Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data

The government is also working on the Green Energy Corridor Phase III, which aims to enhance infrastructure for evacuating renewable energy from RE-rich regions to demand centers. 13 states have submitted demands under this phase, and assessments are being conducted to identify areas for infrastructure upgrade.

Grid Preparedness

The grid is expected to handle additional load from data centers and AI-driven demand, but there may be stress in transporting renewable energy from Rajasthan and Gujarat to other parts of the country. The inter-state transmission system (ISTS) connectivity is expected to be available by 2029-30.