Grid-India Proposes Incorporating Grid-Forming Capability for BESS Installations Above 50 MW
Grid-India, in a new discussion paper, has recommended incorporating grid-forming capability for all new BESS projects above 50 MW in weak-grid or remote locations, as part of a broader push to enhance system stability amid rising inverter-based renewable generation.
January 03, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
The discussion paper titled ‘Grid Forming Technology and Possible Applications in Indian Power System’ aims to address emerging grid-stability challenges arising from the growing share of inverter-based renewable energy.
The paper noted that at present, almost all utility-scale inverter deployments in India operate in grid-following mode, synchronising to existing grid voltage and frequency through phase-locked loops. While these systems perform well on a stiff system, they may struggle under low system strength or high-IBR penetration conditions, leading to instability risks and inadequate frequency and voltage support during disturbances, the discussion paper noted.
The report positions grid-forming inverters as a next-generation solution, stating that “grid-forming technology is an emerging inverter control that makes the inverter behave like a controllable voltage source… [able] to autonomously establish and hold the voltage and frequency references” and provide fast dynamic support, islanded operation, and black-start capability.
Highlighting the operational benefits, the paper observes that in India and globally, the grid-connected IBRs installed are mostly of grid-following (GFL) type, which have been reliable under strong-grid conditions but whose performance is observed to deteriorate under weak grid conditions. By contrast, grid-forming inverters “operate as voltage sources and are capable of independently establishing voltage and frequency references,” with demonstrated advantages including fast frequency response, improved damping, transient stability, and support for weak-grid areas, the paper noted.
Drawing from international deployments and simulation studies, GRID-INDIA states that “the evidence… indicates that [grid-forming inverters] can play a meaningful role in strengthening weak-grid pockets and improving dynamic performance under high-IBR operation.”
The paper recommends a phased adoption pathway, noting, “GFM technology is commercially available and field-proven for transmission-connected applications… new BESS installations above a certain size — such as 50 MW and above — should incorporate grid-forming capability, particularly when located in weak-grid or remote areas to enhance the overall system reliability.”
It further proposes initiating large grid-scale pilot projects, particularly those centred on BESS-backed grid-forming inverters, to gain operational experience.
“Gradual alignment of Indian standards with international testing, performance, and compliance frameworks may be considered to support a smooth transition while allowing flexibility for phased or voluntary integration,” it stated.
The paper has also called for close coordination between technology developers, RE/BESS developers, system operators, and regulators to ensure cohesive and secure operation of an increasingly inverter-dominated grid.
“Future research efforts may focus on GFL-to-GFM conversion possibilities, equipment standardisation, GFM in black-start applications, development of technical specifications, etc.,” it said.
Provision of adequate fault recording and sequence-of-events recording facilities must be incorporated within grid-forming facilities to enable thorough assessment of grid-forming control performance during system disturbances, noted the paper.
While this discussion paper primarily focuses on inverter-level applications across solar, wind, and BESS, future work may also examine the applicability of grid-forming concepts at the transmission level, including static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs) and HVDC converter stations, it noted.
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