(128e) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)-for Energy Transition and Decarbonization

To ensure a sustainable future, the Indian government is formulating initiatives to achieve decarbonization and reduce carbon emissions, aiming for net zero by 2070 as committed at COP 26 (Glasgow). This involves transitioning to clean energy while meeting the country's energy needs. By 2030, India aims to generate 500 GW of fossil fuel-free energy, covering 50% of its energy needs. At COP 28 in the UAE, India reiterated its commitment to a greener, cleaner, and healthier planet, emphasizing the unity of "One Earth, One Family, One Future."

To meet our international commitments, it is imperative to undergo transition from fossil fuel to non-fossil fuel-based sources dominated by Renewable Energy (RE). Indian govt. has developed a comprehensive roadmap for energy transition, few of them includes increasing power from solar & wind, unveiling National Green Hydrogen Mission to reduce fossil fuel imports, implementing National Policy on Bio Fuels and policies on Energy Storage Systems (ESS) etc.

As per National Electricity Plan (NEP) 2023 of Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the energy storage capacity requirement is projected to be 82.37 GWh by 2026-27, with 34.72 GWh from Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). By 2047, this requirement is expected to increase 2380 GWh (1840 GWh from BESS) due to significant increase in RE in light of net zero emissions target by 2070. The Ministry of Power has also set a long-term trajectory for Energy Storage Obligations (ESO) to ensure sufficient storage capacity.

The challenge with RE sources arises due to their varying nature with time, climate, season & geographic locations. The variability associated with the RE sources leads to issues in grid balancing, creating a need for flexibility.

BESS consists of rechargeable batteries that stores energy from different power sources or generated by RE sources such as solar, wind etc. and then discharges when needed and act as a steady source of power supply, eliminating fluctuations in power associated with RE. It can be said that, when the sun ducks behind clouds or the wind decides to take a breather, BESS stands up to keep the lights on and factories humming.

1. ROADMAP FOR BESS

1. 24X7 dispatchable RE power e. round-the-clock (RTC) power & energy for peak demand
2. Back-up power/Emergency Power & addressing renewable energy integration
3. Functions like a power plant, dispatching electricity & supporting energy independence
4. Grid stability, prevents wastage of RE & energy cost reduction

As technology enriches and costs decline, BESS will enhance sustainable, reliable and efficient energy future. BESS is rapidly becoming an essential part of the evolving clean energy systems of the 21st century. Energy storage represents a huge ecologically balanced economic opportunity. Collaborative approach which could help meet emission reduction targets and ensure reliable energy supply through BESS.

This paper/study aims to detail out how BESS can play active part in achieving energy transition, reducing emissions and decarbonization leading to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources & to achieve net zero.