By 2030, India aims to source 50% of electric power from non-fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions by 45% from 2005 levels. To achieve this target, the 2023 National Electricity Plan by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has estimated the need for 486 GW of variable renewables (solar and wind). However, the high penetration of variable and intermittent renewable energy (RE) poses challenges such as grid balancing and underutilisation of the transmission system. These challenges can be solved through firm and dispatchable RE (FDRE) power, which is obtained by transforming the variable RE into FDRE through integration with energy storage systems (ESSs). Thus, as the name suggests, FDRE provides assured round-the-clock (RTC) power from green sources to consumers.
As flexibility providers, ESSs can store surplus energy produced during peak times and release it during periods of high demand or when RE resources are less productive (the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing). Thus, ESSs empower RE to meet energy demands consistently, enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the grid. This improved reliability—without compromising sustainability—could be revolutionary for both industries and households.
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