Gandhinagar, May 9: Gujarat has significantly increased its battery energy storage capacity to 870 megawatts as part of its efforts to manage the fluctuations in renewable energy production and enhance grid stability. Officials announced this development on Friday.
This capacity increase is based on the state’s initiative to rapidly adopt Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The initiative began in Mehsana district’s Modhera, recognized as India’s first solar-powered village, where solar energy production was integrated with battery storage.
Following this model, Gujarat has gradually expanded its storage infrastructure across multiple locations. Currently, five sites in the state are operational with battery storage systems. Recently launched facilities include one in Charal, located in the Sanand taluka of Ahmedabad district.
Other operational sites include Modhera and Lakpat in Kutch, bringing the total installed capacity to 870 megawatts. This expansion follows the phased installations under the state’s renewable energy integration strategy.
In addition to existing projects, 13 new battery storage projects have been registered in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, Patan, and Kutch districts. These projects aim to further strengthen storage capacity and promote the integration of renewable energy into the grid as solar and wind energy production continues to rise.
Officials noted that the primary goal of expanding battery storage is to manage the fluctuations in renewable energy production, particularly solar energy. Solar energy production peaks during the day but declines in the evening when electricity demand typically increases.
Stored electricity can be utilized during peak demand times, reducing grid pressure and ensuring a seamless power supply.
This initiative is included in the ‘Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy-2025’. Under this policy, battery storage projects are being developed both as standalone units and in conjunction with new and existing renewable energy projects.
The policy framework also includes provisions for integrating storage systems with industrial and commercial consumers in the future. This will be available once standard operating procedures (SOPs) are fully established, allowing these consumers to connect their renewable energy production with storage capacity.
Once these procedures are approved, the registration process for battery storage systems for industrial and commercial users is expected to commence. This will enable them to integrate such systems with their solar or wind energy production units.
State officials indicated that the planning for battery storage deployment is being strategically conducted, with a focus on installing systems near renewable energy generation sites.
This approach aims to reduce transmission losses and prevent energy waste while enhancing the capacity to extract and store electricity.
Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO), in collaboration with the state’s electricity distribution companies, is identifying suitable locations based on grid capacity and operational needs.
Officials expect that the storage systems will serve a dual purpose—not only storing excess electricity but also helping maintain grid stability by controlling voltage and frequency, especially during high demand or sudden load fluctuations.
When necessary, they will also function as emergency backup systems. This expansion aligns with India’s larger goal of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Gujarat’s increasing investment in battery storage infrastructure aims to promote greater use of renewable energy while maintaining the reliability and stability of the power supply system.
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