India is set to test battery storage systems at coal-fired power plants to stabilise the grid as solar generation surges, a senior advisor to the Power Ministry confirmed. The move aims to address a growing challenge where thermal plants must scale down during peak solar hours yet remain ready for evening demand.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is preparing guidelines on minimum load requirements for coal plants in light of expanding renewable capacity.
India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 but also plans to add 97 GW of coal-based capacity by 2035, ensuring 24x7 supply. NTPC has floated a tender for 1.7 GW of battery storage at 11 coal plants. The initiative is expected to optimize costs, extend plant life, and enhance grid reliability.