Key findings (as of March 2024)

• India’s cumulative installed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity is 219.1 Megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Chhattisgarh (Highest BESS capacity) accounts for 54.8% of cumulative installed capacity.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, combined with BESS, accounted for 90.6% of total installed capacity.

About BESS

• It refers to an electrochemical device which enables renewable energy like solar energy, wind energy to be stored and released when needed.
• Types of batteries used in BESS: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, Lead-acid batteries, Sodium-sulfur batteries etc.

Significance of BESS

• Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions: Thus aid in achieving Panchamrit target of net zero emission by 2070.
• Reduce Energy Costs: Stored energy can be used during peak hours, when energy prices are highest.
• Reduce Grid Dependency and Improves Grid Stability: By sourcing and storing power, and by balancing supply and demand. 

Concerns with BESS

• Increased need for maintenance and monitoring.
• Initial cost can be high, which may deter users from investing in these systems.
• Extraction of raw materials like lithium is energy intensive, and can lead to water pollution, land degradation etc.