Energetica India Magazine: september 2020

61 energetica INDIA- September_2020 ENERGY STORAGE in loss of energy production opportuni- ty. Alternatively, system operators may be required to invest in expanding the transmission and distribution infrastruc- ture. An energy storage system locat- ed in proximity to wind generation can allow excess energy to be stored and delivered timely upon ease of transmis- sion. Energy storage can also be used to store the energy generated during periods of low demand (and favourable wind conditions) and deliver it during periods of high demand. India Picture: Covid 19 has caused a major disrup- tion to not just the industry but every one of us. In the immediate aftermath of the COVID 19, the supply chain con- straints did affect, so as the demand variability. The battery pack manufac- turers in India are currently assembling high capacity packs with the goal to target electric vehicles and stationary storage market. Assembling of Li-ion battery packs is a dynamic industry in India and is growing at a healthy pace. The GoI focussed on the promotion of domestic manufacturing through cohe- sive policy initiatives. The government approved setting up of the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage and Phased Manufac- turing Program. NITI Aayog promoted Make in India by starting work on the ambitious India giga-factories plan with a projection that India will need around 50 GWh of domestic manufacturing ca- pability by 2025. An MoU was signed between KABIL from India and JEMSE from Argentina for sourcing of Lithium and Cobalt. With respect to large scale energy storage installations with renew- able or for grid stability India is at na- scent stage. But central agencies like SECI and others are proactive during COVID time with the release of multiple energy storage integrated tenders and appropriate policy discussion on RTC and peak management. Recently, two projects for peak management and RTC for RE with energy storage options and SECI’s Solar+ Energy Storage tender for Lakshadweep islands allocated to two leading companies in India. In the meantime, NLC India Commissioned 20 MW Solar Project with 8 MWh (16 MW) Battery Energy Storage in Andaman. 2019 also saw a number of announce- ments by Indian industry majors like the Mahindra Group, the Tata Group, the Adani Group and Exide to partner with global companies like LG Chem, Leclanche, Suzuki Motor Corp, Toshiba and Denso in order to bring indigenous manufacturing of battery cells to India. Conclusion: According to IESA’s analysis, the Sta- tionary energy storage market will grow to 37 GWh by 2027 and EV battery to grow to 66 GWh by 2020- 2027. At IESA, we, however, believe that it is high time for the Indian industry to take up R&D and advanced cell manufacturing so that we reduce our dependence on other countries. The recent pandemic related to COVID19 has highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing considering the risk of global supply chain disruptions. Energy storage and EVs have importance for national ener- gy security and we should learn from the recent events and accelerate our efforts for building domestic capabili- ties. The journey for energy storage in India has a new beginning. We look forward to a ring side view of this transformation and to play a key role in building the ecosystem for the transition to a green- er tomorrow.