Distributed Storage

While 2025 was marked by an unprecedented 102 GWh of energy storage tenders, 2026 will see projects awarded since mid-2023 finally materialize into commissioned assets, in line with typical project timelines of 18–24 months.

Waaree Energy Storage Solutions has raised INR 1,003 crore to support the development of a 20 GWh lithium-ion cell and battery pack manufacturing facility.

India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released draft guidelines for the implementation of a Battery Pack Aadhaar system—an indigenous digital identification and data storage mechanism designed to ensure end-to-end lifecycle traceability of batteries, particularly those used in electric vehicles (EVs).

Longer-duration storage, safety-driven procurement and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) compliance in the United States are accelerating interest in alternative battery chemistries, even as lithium-ion remains dominant amid rising data center demand and tighter supply chain rules.

Lineage Power will supply and deploy 25,000 advanced lithium-ion battery modules with a capacity of 100 Ah/48V, along with 2,500 high-durability IP55-rated racks. Each rack will be designed to house eight battery modules. These systems are intended to deliver high-efficiency energy storage to support BSNL’s telecom network infrastructure.

With record 40+ GW solar and wind installations (solar: 34.9+ GW, wind: 5.8+GW), 2025 has marked yet another high point in Indian annual renewable capacity additions. The capacity additions have been driven by strong project momentum across all solar segments.

While India has research capabilities across public laboratories and academic institutions in both rare earths and battery recycling, the transition from lab-scale innovation to industrial deployment has been slow. This gap between research and commercial execution continues to limit scale across the critical minerals ecosystem.

The Indian Ministry of Power has ordered all battery energy storage system (BESS) projects supported under the viability gap funding (VGF) scheme to meet a minimum 20% local content threshold, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and innovation.

By combining proven global practices with solutions designed for Indian conditions, offering choices for different customer needs, and continuing to invest in meaningful innovation, India can build a solar ecosystem that is resilient and inclusive.

India’s battery storage landscape is undergoing a decisive transformation in 2025. Across utilities, regulators, and developers, BESS has moved beyond early-stage exploration and is increasingly recognized as an essential component for grid stability, renewable integration, and long-term energy planning.