Deploying batteries at scale in power sector: A case for battery targets complemented with DISCOM-controlled dispatch

India needs to deploy batteries at scale in the power sector.

The country envisages uptake of 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The high penetration of intermittent renewable energy will bring up issues around managing system flexibility in terms of steeper ramps and peaking load requirements.

In India, system flexibility has historically been met by coal-fired power plants. India also plans to install 50GW of new coal power capacity during 2022-27, according to the Central Electricity Authority.