Why in news
- India proposed draft norms requiring mandatory energy storage integration for all new government-tendered solar and onshore wind projects starting July 2027.
Key terms
BESS
Battery Energy Storage System used to store excess renewable energy for dispatch during peak hours.
Grid-Forming Inverters
Power electronic devices that independently establish grid voltage and frequency reference without relying on external grid signals.
What are the proposed mandates?
- New solar and onshore wind projects commissioned after July 1, 2027, must include a minimum 2-hour battery storage equivalent to 10% of installed capacity.
- The storage duration requirement escalates to 4 hours from July 1, 2029.
- Mandates grid-forming inverters for utility-scale variable renewable plants to strengthen grid stability.
Why it matters
- Addresses intermittency issues associated with solar and wind power generation.
- Enhances grid frequency regulation and supports peak-load demand management.
Prelims facts
- Grid-forming inverters generate voltage source characteristics necessary for grid stability in high-RE grids.
Mains discussion
- Importance of energy storage integration in achieving India's 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030.
Source: Economic Times Industry
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