India has made a significant leap towards energy independence with the launch of the country’s first MWh-scale vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) system at NTPC NETRA in Greater Noida.

Inaugurated by Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, the three MWh installation marks a major advancement in long-duration energy storage (LDES), crucial for renewable energy integration into the national grid. Developed by NTPC’s R&D centre, the VRFB offers a safer, scalable, and longer-lasting alternative to lithium-ion batteries. It reduces reliance on imported lithium and supports the growth of indigenous battery manufacturing in India.

The project is a key part of India's energy transition strategy, aiming for cost-effective, large-scale storage solutions to complement renewable energy growth. NTPC's efforts in green hydrogen, carbon-neutral technologies, and innovative energy storage reflect its evolving role as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.