Title : A comparative analysis of state-level policy, regulations and framework for battery energy systems in India
Abstract:
The growing use of energy, especially solar and wind power has made energy storage systems more important. These systems maintain stability, flexibility and reliability of the electricity grid. Battery Energy Storage Systems or BESS have become a part of the renewable energy sector. The government has launched national initiatives for energy storage. They include the Guidelines for Procurement and Utilisation of BESS the Energy Storage Obligation (ESO) plan and the National Framework for Promoting Energy Storage Systems. Electricity is under control of both the state and state-level organizations in India. State Governments and regulatory authorities have a key role in implementing energy objectives at the State level through policy and regulation. As a result different states have taken paths in developing BESS. A few states have established regulations utilizing storage targets that are subject to competitive bidding or established project-specific rules. This paper examines the policy and regulatory situation of BESS in five states in India: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The objective is to determine the extent to which these states meet the BESS policies. The study goes through state-level documents, including policies, regulations, government orders and procurement plans. It compares the states based on factors of regulatory status, storage targets or obligations minimum project size, storage duration, procurement methods, ownership and business models, grid connection and support for ancillary services. Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are the focus of the comparison. The study of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu is done separately to illustrate the extent and nature of BESS development. The comparison identifies the areas of alignment of state policies and areas of differences or gaps. The paper gives a picture of how BESS is developing at the state level, in India. It also examines the use of various policy and regulatory instruments to promote the development and deployment of energy storage.
