Why is it in the news?
- Lakshadweep has inaugurated its inaugural solar project employing Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technology.
About Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technology
- BESS is a critical technology supporting the efficient storage of energy in renewable systems.
- Different types of Energy Storage Systems include Mechanical, Electrochemical (BESS), Thermal, Electrical, and Fuel Cells.
- BESS utilizes various electrochemical reactions for electricity storage, examples being Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) and Sodium-Sulphur (Na-S) batteries.
- Two main categories of BESS are traditional solid rechargeable batteries and flow batteries.
- BESS is essential for achieving net-zero emission targets by 2070, aligning with initiatives like Panchamrit.
- It plays a crucial role in improving grid stability during variable renewable generation.
Challenges in BESS Development in India:
- The development of BESS in India is relatively slow compared to countries like China.
- Challenges include low domestic production, inadequate raw material availability (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel), a lack of high-quality R&D infrastructure, technology transfer issues, and high installation costs.
India’s Initiatives in BESS:
- The Ministry of Power (MoP) has launched initiatives such as the Scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for BESS development.
- The scheme envisions 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, providing financial support of up to 40% of the capital cost as VGF.
- The National Framework for Promoting Energy Storage Systems was unveiled in 2023, outlining a comprehensive approach to promoting energy storage systems.
