India to trial batteries at coal plants for steady power supply

Post by : Monika

Photo: reuters

India is working hard to make sure electricity is always available for everyone, whatever the time of day. To do this, the country will begin using battery storage systems at its coal power stations. This new plan will help balance the supply of electricity as India builds more solar power plants.

Why Is Battery Storage Needed?
India's need for electricity is growing very fast. Factories, homes, and schools all need more power every year. While India is adding more solar power, solar energy only works when the sun is out. In the middle of the day, there is a lot of solar electricity, but in the evening, when most people use lights and fans, solar power isn’t enough.

At such times, coal power stations have to quickly increase the power they provide. This constant up-and-down operation can waste fuel and harm the machines at the power plants. Sometimes, coal plants must shut down during the day and work extra hard at night, which is not good for the equipment.

How Will Batteries Help?
Battery storage means that extra electricity made by solar plants during the day can be kept in batteries. Later, when people need more electricity and there is less sunlight, the stored power can be used.

This idea will make coal plants work in a better way. They will not have to change their power output so much. It's like having a water tank: you fill it when there is extra water and use it when you need more.

India's Plan
India's biggest coal power company has been chosen to start this battery storage project at a few power plants. Experts will check if battery storage makes the power supply more reliable and helps coal plants last longer. The government is supporting the project with money and guidance.

The plan includes installing lots of battery storage by 2030, with the hope that more batteries will be used at power plants all over the country. This matches India's target to have half a million megawatts of non-coal power by 2030, although coal will still play a key role.

Solar Power Is Growing
Renewable energy—such as solar and wind—is growing quickly in India. In the first half of this year, India added more solar panels than ever before. But even though solar and wind are increasing, coal power is still needed to make sure there is enough electricity.

In the future, the goal is to use batteries to keep more solar power for night-time use and during busy hours. That way, less coal can be burned, which will help the environment.

Challenges
Putting in big battery systems is expensive, and the country needs smart planning. Builders must make sure the batteries work well and last a long time. The government is making new rules to support the use of storage.

Companies have started building factories that make batteries in India. This will make batteries cheaper and create more jobs.

Benefits for Everyone

• Power supply will be smoother and more reliable.
• The cost of electricity may go down because coal plants can save on fuel.
• Using stored solar energy means less pollution from burning coal.
• Coal power plants will not wear out so fast.
• New battery projects will create jobs for young people.
• Electricity will be available at all times, even when the sun is not shining.

Examples
The first big battery plant in India has already started in Chhattisgarh. It stores solar power during the day and supplies electricity at night. It has helped avoid carbon emissions and shown that battery storage can work in the country.

Future Plans
India will need huge amounts of battery storage in the coming years. The government and private companies are planning to build more battery plants. These efforts will help India become a leader in clean energy and new technology.

India’s decision to put battery storage at coal power stations is a smart step. It brings together new solar energy and steady coal power, making sure electricity is always available. This move will slowly reduce pollution and help India become a cleaner, stronger country.

As more batteries are used, India will be able to use more solar and wind power and less coal! This will mean a cleaner environment and steady electricity for everyone.

Battery storage