Will India test battery storage systems at coal power plants?

NEW DELHI: India will test the installation of battery storage systems at some coal power plants, as the country grapples with integrating massive solar capacity while maintaining reliable electricity supply, an advisor to the country's power ministry said.

Why is coal a major energy source in India?

1. Introduction Despite the recent growth of solar and wind based energy generation, from 3% in 2015 to 10% in 2021, coal remains a dominant share of electricity generation in India (76% in 2015 to 70% in 2021) and contributes to the country's standing as the world's 3rd largest greenhouse gas emitter .

Why is coal so durable in India?

Electricity demand isn’t the only force guaranteeing coal’s durability in India. Konda pointed to millions of jobs in coal, including allied sectors such as the railways that control the trains used for transporting coal.

Does India still rely on coal?

Even though India has been significantly increasing its renewable energy capacity in recent years, when demand for electricity surges, it still goes back to its most trusted source of power: coal.

What percentage of India's electricity is produced by coal?

Coal remains the backbone of supply, accounting for nearly 73% (157.6GW) of the total daily generation, the report states. As of FY2024, the industrial, commercial, residential, and agricultural sectors accounted for approximately 32%, 10%, 31%, and 22% of India’s total electricity sales, respectively.

Can thermal energy storage be used within existing coal generating stations?

Here, we explore the technical and economic feasibility of using thermal energy storage (TES) systems within existing coal generating stations to absorb electrical energy from the grid in times of low demand and return it to the grid when needed.