Powering the Grid: India's New Battery Mandate for Solar and Wind

India is set to mandate battery energy storage systems (BESS) for all newly commissioned government solar and onshore wind projects starting July 2027. Drafted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the mandate requires renewable energy developers to integrate battery storage capacity equivalent to at least 10% of their total installed capacity, providing a minimum two-hour duration.

The regulatory framework is designed to scale progressively, with requirements becoming more stringent by July 2029 through an expanded storage duration. Additionally, the guidelines propose mandatory grid-forming inverter capabilities for all clean energy projects commissioned after July 2027. By capturing surplus power during peak generation hours and dispatching it during periods of high demand, the initiative seeks to mitigate renewable curtailment, enhance grid stability, and seamlessly integrate expanding clean energy infrastructure.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.