India expands battery storage to meet heatwave power demand

India’s operational Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity has risen to 2.7 GW (7.5 GWh), allowing the grid to address evening peak loads during intense heatwaves. An HSBC report notes that about 42 GWh of storage projects are under construction and another 40 GWh have been awarded, with further additions expected over the next three years as the country strengthens grid reliability while expanding renewable generation.

Peak electricity demand in early June climbed 8.5%, reaching roughly 260 GW, driven by delayed monsoons and sustained high temperatures. The added storage capacity is helping to manage these spikes, contributing up to 4.5 GW of the 22:45 GW peak.

Industry participants stress that successful deployment requires treating battery systems as sophisticated grid assets rather than simple battery purchases. AmpereHour Energy’s co‑founder Ayush Misra highlighted challenges such as revenue stacking, regulatory certainty, and long‑term bankability, citing the recently commissioned 180 MW/360 MWh Gujarat project as a benchmark for utility‑scale storage.