RENEWCONNECT - All about renewables & power sector

Utility‑scale battery capex clusters around $125/kWh all‑in (global auctions as of Oct’25), translating to LCOS ≈ $65/MWh for 4‑hour systems; standalone LCOS ranges in the US are still triple digits in many cases, although sharply down in 2025. Pack costs average $108/kWh (global) and $70/kWh for stationary storage in China‑linked segments. Long‑duration chemistries (iron‑air) target ~$20/kWh for energy capacity; sodium‑ion could plausibly reach $40/kWh at cell level with scale. Pumped storage is scaling rapidly in India. All of that sets the baseline before we explore a $10/kWh world. If fully installed energy storage (not just cell cost) fell below $10/kWh , the cost of shifting electricity would become negligible relative to generation. Solar and wind could be overbuilt and time‑shifted ubiquitously; thermal peakers and new gas CCGTs would be replaced by solar+storage, wind+storage, and hybrid portfolios; transmission expansion would focus on strategic corridors , while d...

A brief on the standard procedures for Performance Monitoring of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)  that are to be followed for regular maintenance and to increase the life span of the system based on Indian and international best practices: 🔍  Standard Performance Monitoring Procedures for BESS 1. Battery Management System (BMS) Monitoring Continuous tracking  of: Voltage (cell/module level) Current (charge/discharge) Temperature State of Charge (SoC) and State of Health (SoH) Thermal runaway indicators Alarms and auto-shutdown  if parameters exceed OEM-defined thresholds 2. Power Conversion System (PCS) Monitoring Fully automated and unattended operation Monitors: Grid synchronization AC/DC conversion efficiency Fault diagnostics and self-protection features 3. Predictive Maintenance Uses  real-time data analytics  to detect early signs of component degradation o...

The  standard testing and safety procedures for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India  are currently being formalized under the  Draft Central Electricity Authority (CEA) (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025 .  These draft regulations outline comprehensive safety, monitoring, and operational standards for BESS installations. Here's a summary of the key provisions: 🔧  Core Safety and Testing Requirements for BESS 1. System Design & Fault Tolerance BESS must be designed with  two-fault tolerance , ensuring safe operation or shutdown even after two independent faults (e.g., overcharge, short circuit) 2. Battery Management System (BMS) Must continuously monitor: Voltage Temperature Current Thermal runaway Should trigger alarms and  automatic shutdown  if parameters exceed OEM limits 3. Power Conversion System (PCS) ...

LTES   (Long Term Energy Storage) refers to technologies capable of storing energy for  six hours or more , with some definitions extending to  10+ hours . These systems are essential for balancing the  intermittent nature of renewable energy  sources like solar and wind, ensuring a  stable and reliable power supply  even when generation is low. 🧪 Key LTES Technologies LTES technologies are categorized into five main types: Flow Batteries Store energy in liquid electrolytes. High scalability and long cycle life. Moderate efficiency (~70–80%). Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Uses electricity to compress air stored in underground caverns or tanks. Air is released to drive turbines when power is needed. Efficiency: ~50–70%. Example: A 300 MW-class CAES facility in China using salt caverns. Liquefied Air/CO₂ Energy Storage Air or CO₂ is liquefied and stored under pressure. Re-gasifi...

Introduction India’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift. With over 50% of its installed power capacity now coming from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of its 2030 target—the country is rapidly embracing renewable energy. However, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power presents significant challenges to grid reliability and energy dispatch. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a critical solution to these challenges, and government-led tenders are playing a pivotal role in accelerating their adoption. Why Grid-Scale Energy Storage Is Essential India’s peak power demand surpassed 250 GW in 2024 and continues to rise. To maintain grid stability while integrating increasing volumes of renewable energy, robust energy storage solutions are essential. BESS enables: Load balancing  during peak and off-peak hours Frequency regulation  and grid stability Renewable energy dispatchability , ensuring power a...

Energy storage technologies play a critical role in modern energy systems by storing energy for later use, thereby balancing supply and demand, improving grid reliability, integrating renewable energy, and enhancing energy efficiency. Below is an overview of key energy storage technologies and their utilizations: 1. Mechanical Energy Storage a. Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) Technology : Water is pumped to a higher elevation during low demand and released to generate electricity during high demand. Utilizations : Grid load balancing Long-duration energy storage Peak shaving and energy arbitrage b. Flywheel Energy Storage Technology : Stores energy in the form of rotational kinetic energy using a spinning rotor. Utilizations : Short-term power backup Frequency regulation Stabilization of microgrids c. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Technology : Compresses air and stores it in underground caverns; releases it to drive turbines when needed. ...

 The Energy Storage Summit EU 2025, held on February 18-19 in London, brought together industry leaders to discuss pivotal topics shaping the energy storage sector. Key highlights from Day Two include: 1. Co-location and Market Opportunities: Co-location with Renewables: Discussions emphasized that integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) with renewable energy sources remains underutilized in Europe, presenting significant growth potential. Emerging Markets: While the UK and Germany lead in energy storage deployment, countries like Italy and Poland are gaining attention due to favorable regulations and market depth. The Nordic countries and Spain also present promising opportunities.  Energy Storage News 2. Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES): Lithium-Ion's Role: Experts discussed the potential for lithium-ion batteries to meet Great Britain's long-duration energy storage needs, with projections indicating a demand for systems capable of 10-hour durations or more i...

A lithium-hydrogen (Li-H) battery is an emerging energy storage technology that combines lithium and hydrogen to achieve high energy densities. Recent research has demonstrated that Li-H batteries can reach theoretical energy densities up to 2,825 Wh/kg, significantly surpassing traditional lithium-ion batteries. Ref:  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Construction and Operation: In a typical Li-H battery, the anode consists of lithium metal, while the cathode utilizes hydrogen gas. During discharge, lithium atoms release electrons and form lithium ions, which migrate to the cathode. Simultaneously, hydrogen gas at the cathode undergoes a catalytic reaction, accepting electrons and combining with lithium ions to form lithium hydride. This process is reversed during charging, regenerating hydrogen gas and lithium metal. Ref:  onlinelibrary.wiley.com Recent Developments: In February 2025, researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China unveiled a Li-H battery prototype ...

To help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each energy storage innovation, here's a comparative analysis based on key factors: Technology Energy Density Efficiency Lifespan Scalability Cost Best Use Cases Solid-State Batteries ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (~90%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10-15 yrs) ⭐⭐ (Scaling challenges) Expensive 🚨 EVs, Portable Devices Gravity-Based Storage ⭐ (Low) ⭐⭐⭐ (~80%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (50+ yrs) ⭐⭐⭐ (Large sites needed) High Initial Cost Grid-Level, Mines Thermal Energy Storage ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) ⭐⭐ (~60-80%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (20-30 yrs) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Industrial scale) Moderate Industrial, Heating/Cooling Green Hydrogen & Fuel Cells ⭐⭐ (Medium) ⭐ (~40-60%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10-20 yrs) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Long-term) High 🚨 Industry, Transport, Grid Flow Batteries (VRFB/Iron-Air) ⭐⭐ (Medium) ⭐⭐⭐ (~70-80%) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (20-25 yrs) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Scalable) Moderate Grid, Industrial, Renewables AI & Blockchain in Storage N/A Optimizes Storage Efficiency N/A N/A Costly Tech Smart Grids, Energy Trading Key Insights and Takeaways ✅ For Short-Term S...

Energy storage is a crucial enabler of renewable energy, ensuring grid stability, energy efficiency, and power reliability. Below is a deep dive into key innovations shaping the future of energy storage. 1. Solid-State Batteries Overview Solid-state batteries (SSBs) replace the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte, improving safety, energy density, and lifespan. Advantages ✅ Higher energy density (2-3 times that of Li-ion) ✅ Improved safety (non-flammable, unlike liquid electrolytes) ✅ Faster charging times ✅ Longer lifespan with reduced capacity degradation Challenges ⚠️ High production costs due to material and manufacturing complexities ⚠️ Scalability issues – still in early commercial deployment ⚠️ Need for improved solid electrolytes (e.g., sulfides, oxides) Leading Companies & Research Toyota : Aims to commercialize SSBs in EVs by 2027 QuantumScape : Developing lithium-metal SSBs with Volkswagen Samsung & CATL : Researching sul...

  Innovation in Energy Storage Systems As the world transitions toward a renewable energy-dominated future, energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming a crucial part of modern power infrastructure. Innovations in ESS are essential to ensure grid stability, maximize renewable energy utilization, and provide efficient backup power solutions. Here are the latest advancements in energy storage technologies: 1. Advanced Battery Technologies Solid-State Batteries : These batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes, offering higher energy density, longer lifespan, and improved safety. Companies like Toyota and QuantumScape are leading developments. Sodium-Ion Batteries : A promising alternative to lithium-ion, sodium-ion batteries use abundant sodium, reducing costs and dependence on lithium supply chains. CATL and Faradion are pioneering this space. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries : These have the potential to store up to five times the energy of conventional lithium-ion batter...