Union Power Minister Manohar Lal has underscored the critical need to promote renewable energy in tandem with energy storage systems to ensure a reliable power supply across the country. Speaking at a high-level consultative committee meeting convened by the Ministry of Power on Monday, Lal reiterated India’s commitment to cutting its emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels and achieving 50% of its installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

The minister highlighted that excess renewable energy must be stored efficiently for use during low-generation periods. He emphasized the government’s proactive measures, including policy initiatives aimed at scaling up battery energy storage systems (BESS) and ensuring resource adequacy.

A significant step in this direction is the government-backed Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme supporting 43 GWh of BESS—the largest such initiative globally. Financial assistance of ₹9,160 crore has been earmarked for this scheme, and inter-state transmission charges have been waived for BESS projects commissioned by June 2028.

Lal also spoke on hydro-based pumped storage plants (PSPs), citing India’s existing 6.4 GW capacity, 8 GW under construction, and an additional 61 GW in various planning stages. The country’s overall PSP potential exceeds 200 GW.

Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik celebrated India’s early achievement of 50% installed capacity from non-fossil fuels—five years ahead of target. He stressed that energy storage is vital not only for generation but also for distribution, transmission, ancillary services, and EV integration.

Committee members welcomed the VGF scheme’s contribution to energy security and urged continued efforts for a stable, affordable, and resilient power infrastructure.