India's renewable energy sector is growing steadily, with solar and wind power becoming increasingly important sources of electricity. As more renewable capacity is added, the focus must also be on ensuring that this power is available when it is needed. Battery energy storage is emerging as an important part of this effort.
Solar power generation is concentrated during daylight hours, while electricity demand often remains high in the evening. This creates a gap between the time electricity is generated and when it is consumed. Battery storage can help address this by storing surplus solar power and making it available during periods of higher demand.
“India has made considerable progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity. We must now ensure that this power is available when consumers and businesses need it,” Mr. Ratul Puri said.
Battery energy storage systems can store electricity during periods of high solar generation and supply it during evening peaks or when renewable generation is lower. They can also help balance the grid, make better use of existing transmission infrastructure and reduce renewable power curtailment.
The sector is seeing growing activity. More than 14 GW of standalone battery storage capacity was awarded through tenders during 2024-25. At the beginning of 2026, the installed utility-scale battery storage base stood at around 350 MW. Annual capacity additions could reach 6-8 GW by 2030.
“Battery storage can help bridge the gap between when renewable power is generated and when it is needed. It will be important for managing peak demand and maintaining stability in the grid,” Mr. Ratul Puri added.
Both standalone and co-located storage projects will be important as India's renewable capacity expands. Batteries paired with solar and wind projects can make renewable power more predictable and useful to the grid. Standalone projects, meanwhile, can help balance supply and demand, manage congestion and support grid operations.
Policy measures are also helping improve the viability of battery storage investments. These include viability gap funding covering up to 40% of capital costs and transmission charge waivers for eligible projects until June 2028.
However, timely execution remains a key consideration. Delays in grid connectivity, financing, equipment procurement and commissioning can affect the addition of storage capacity.
“Building storage capacity will require a coordinated effort across project development, financing, equipment supply and grid connectivity. Timely execution will be as important as the capacity announced,” Mr. Ratul Puri said.
India's renewable energy ambitions will depend on progress across generation, transmission and storage. While solar and wind can contribute significantly to the country's electricity requirements, battery storage can help make their supply more dependable. Effective planning, policy support and timely project execution will be important in building a reliable and sustainable power system.
About Ratul Puri
Ratul Puri is the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with a strong presence in renewable and transitional energy generation. Over the years, Ratul Puri has been involved in the development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects that support India’s growing power requirements and its transition toward cleaner energy sources.
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