Lower costs and innovative technologies advancing BESS in India

Redox flow batteries are emerging as strong competitors. Based on flow battery technology, they offer extended storage durations of 5-20 hours.

As a global leader in digital energy orchestration, Infosys is partnering with battery manufacturers, grid utilities, and C&I customers to deploy advanced analytics. Infosys stalwarts share insights into the industry.

Advances in energy storage

India has made significant strides in energy storage in recent years thanks to increased policy support, technological advancements, private sector participation, and falling storage costs. For instance, recent tenders from Gujarat Vikas Urja Nigam Limited (GUVNL) have dramatically reduced storage costs, with rates of INR 4.489 Lakh/MW/month ($5,424/MW/month) for 70 MW/140 MWh and INR 4.499 Lakh/MW/month ($5,436/MW/month) for 180 MW/360 MWh across two separate contracts.  

Infosys is partnering with battery manufacturers, grid utilities, and C&I customers to deploy advanced analytics that improve operational efficiency and optimise energy usage. While Infosys has extensive experience working with energy utilities and major electricity companies in the USA and Europe, it is also expanding its focus to digital energy storage solutions. One notable project involves Infosys developing a cloud-based energy management platform for a prominent flow battery manufacturer to advance sustainability efforts on Singapore’s islands utilising smart microgrid interventions. This customised solution embedded with AI/ML features can be instrumental in diverse sectors for energy optimisation, asset (battery) health management, forecasting energy yields for future decision-making, etc. 

Flow batteries are the future of energy storage

Within battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market due to falling prices and continuous advancements. However, redox flow batteries are emerging as a strong competitor, offering extended storage durations of 5-20 hours storage based on flow battery technology. As production scales up, the cost of flow batteries is expected to decrease. In certain instances, at larger scales, flow batteries are becoming more cost-effective compared to conventional battery technologies. They are emerging as an optimal solution for long-duration grid-scale storage. Flow batteries are particularly notable for their longevity, with a lifespan of up to 25 years and the ability to recycle their electrolytes even after this period. 

Enhancing grids with storage

In smart grid and microgrid operations, energy storage helps manage the intermittency of renewable energy by capturing excess energy when supply exceeds demand and providing it during shortages, thus enhancing overall grid stability. Additionally, energy storage shifts energy consumption from peak to off-peak times, reducing strain on the grid during high-demand periods and lowering energy costs.

Infosys utilises its custom cloud-based energy management platform to manage microgrids efficiently. This platform offers real-time energy monitoring, optimises resource use according to demand, and includes advanced forecasting, scheduling, and yield prediction capabilities. These features collectively improve energy management. Additionally, Infosys has developed an in-house automated Energy-as-a-service solution to manage various energy resources and campus lighting based on occupancy and specific requirements. Moreover, Infosys is working on supporting the development of automation features in smart grid solutions like ADMS and DERMS and integrating energy storage through new use cases across geographies.

Boosting storage technology adoption

The Indian government’s PLI schemes have created an ecosystem for storage manufacturers and startups to develop local expertise in battery storage solutions. To boost energy storage technology, several key measures need to be implemented. Financial incentives and support are crucial; subsidies, viability gap funding (VGF), and grants can help lower costs for storage manufacturers and innovators. Additionally, research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) grants for alternative technologies to lithium-ion, based on resource availability, are essential for developing a robust supply chain. Incorporating storage as a non-wired alternative in transmission and distribution (T&D) planning can create asset-level value and promote adoption. Technology-use-case mapping is also important. When developing projects, it’s necessary to match the right storage technology with the most profitable use case. Identifying region-specific use cases is vital, and bid documents should specify the technology to ensure practical feasibility and long-term implementation, considering capital and replacement investments.

Authored by:

Sarvesh Devraj, Ram Krishan, Dr. Rakesh Bohra, Dr. Shashank Vyas

Energy Transition Practice- Domain Consulting Group- Infosys Limited,