company news about India Pilots Battery Storage in Coal Plants to Balance Solar Surge

New Delhi – September 2025 — In a strategic initiative to bolster grid stability amid surging solar energy generation, India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has launched pilot projects integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) at select coal-fired power plants. This hybrid approach aims to smooth demand fluctuations by storing excess solar power during the day and discharging it during evening peaks.

Key Details

• Purpose: Allow coal plants to maintain consistent output without shutting down during times of high solar generation—reducing operational costs and mechanical wear

• Implementation Lead: NTPC, India’s largest thermal power producer, has been tasked with conducting these pilot trials. These projects are backed with dedicated funding to support deployment
• Future Prospects: NTPC has floated a tender for up to 1.7 GW of battery storage capacity to be deployed across 11 coal plants—signaling a broader rollout if initial trials prove successful

India’s trial of battery storage at coal-fired plants marks a forward-thinking response to the challenges of renewable intermittency. By blending battery systems with conventional infrastructure, the country is crafting a more flexible, cost-effective path toward energy security and sustainability.