An overview of the energy scenario and energy storage device

With demand for the natural resources exceeds a certain threshold, it leads to a global ecological threat like the “Amphhan” catastrophe that had ravaged the eastern part of West Bengal during the month of February 2020 that resulted in the loss of lives and economic activity which is yet to be regained with its earlier momentum. The inflicted calamity has given a “blow” as well as “boost” to renewable energy sector that leads to greater seriousness on development of the energy storages devices/stations in the country. While India has already achieved 374 GW of total installed capacity of power generation in which the contribution from the thermal sector is about 62 per cent and that of the RP is about 22 per cent that comes to 90 GW as of today and 60 GW is under pipeline or under construction or under tendering process. The year 2020 is undoubtedly a year of change and the COVID-19 pandemic situation together with enforced lockdown in several parts of the country and even in globe has forced people to think differently to remain relevant against the New-Normal. In order to choose the sources of energy that does not cause pollution to the surrounding environment, the RET is the best and most favourable options to opt for along with the battery storage devices for making the power available throughout the day-long and even when the sun sets. Most of the batteries currently produced and used in our country is lithium-ion based and is mostly imported. To be on the self-reliant mode and moving towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat” through “Make in India” we need to have more and more indigenous manufacturer of Li-ion batteries. Good news is that 10 Indian companies have already procured manufacturing technology from DRDO and large scale production of indigenous Li-ion batteries is expected soon. The National Energy Mission of the Government of India has just rolled out with a focus on the Make in India and is envisioned to take all necessary formalities and policy decisions to be adopted to incentivise advanced energy storage manufacturing in India through the application of innovation and new technology options that are available. As a science communicator, the authors strongly opine that with the appropriate support from the Government of India through the policy decisions by the Niti Aayog, India will be one of the top markets for the energy storage adoptions and manufacturing and is another way forward to mitigate the climate change by producing electricity free from carbon dioxide emissions into atmosphere and provide green energy for sustainable path of development. As we see that the energy storage is a new thrust area along with introduction of FGD technology retrofitting with the thermal power plant, we look forward to the new ecosystem to be achieved by 2030.