India has approved a $1.53 billion funding initiative to accelerate the development of large-scale energy storage infrastructure and strengthen the country's electricity grid, Renewables.az informs via The Indian Express.
The Union Cabinet approved the 145 billion rupee programme on November 4, aiming to improve renewable energy integration and enhance the reliability of electricity supply.
The initiative targets the development of 92 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy storage capacity. The planned allocation includes 60 GWh from pumped hydro storage facilities, 30 GWh from battery energy storage systems and 2 GWh from emerging storage technologies.
The programme will run from fiscal year 2026–27 through 2030–31. Its implementation is expected to attract an estimated $10.3 billion in total investment.
The new funding mechanism is designed to address the intermittent nature of solar and wind power by enabling excess electricity to be stored and released when demand increases or renewable generation declines.
The initiative also introduces a minimum 40% domestic content requirement for battery storage projects, supporting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported components.
The move represents another step in India's broader strategy to expand clean energy infrastructure, improve grid flexibility and strengthen long-term energy security.
