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.
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.
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.
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
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2024 · Q27 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following: 1. Battery storage 2. Biomass generators 3. Fuel cells 4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units How many of the above are considered "Distributed Energy Resources" -
2025 · Q41 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following types of vehicles: I. Full battery electric vehicles II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles? -
2025 · Q42 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements: I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III. Al types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply. How many of the statements given above are correct? -
2025 · Q43 · General Studies · 2 marks
In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes? -
2026 · Q45 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct? 1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Select the answer using the code given below: