Li-ion cells

Sunsure Energy, founded in 2014, has evolved from a solar developer into a clean energy solutions provider delivering integrated power solutions across solar, wind, and battery storage. Kartikeya Sharma, co-founder and chief business officer at Sunsure, speaks to pv magazine on the key trends reshaping India’s renewable energy landscape, the rising role of battery storage, and Sunsure’s plans for the market.

Industry players speak to pv magazine about whether China’s decision to tighten export controls on key minerals and technologies for lithium batteries will cause a short-term disruption or lead to a long-term strategic realignment of the global supply chain.

The world is projected to retire over 11 million tonnes of lithium-ion batteries each year by 2030. India may contribute nearly 2 million tonnes by 2030, not only due to electric vehicles, but also because of an exponential level of consumption of consumer electronics and stationary storage.

As most imported battery cells are not designed for India’s conditions, localization of battery design and strict adherence to AIS-156 and BIS safety standards is absolutely critical.

Waaree Energies Ltd, a Gujarat-based manufacturer of solar cells and modules, has invested INR 300 crore in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Waaree Energy Storage Solutions Pvt Ltd (WESSPL), through a rights issue.

The system plugs into either a standard power outlet or the main electrical panel and automatically captures surplus solar energy – whether generated by rooftop panels or a portable plug‑and‑play kit. Up to four modules, each with a capacity of 2,200 Wh and 500 W of output, can be combined, and the system comes with a 7,500-cycle warranty for long-term reliability.

Cummins has introduced fully integrated, plug-and-play battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions in India, with capacities ranging from 211 kWh to 2,280 kWh. These AC-output BESS solutions are designed for commercial, industrial, and mission-critical applications and are available in 10-foot and 20-foot container configurations.

The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) has welcomed the streamlining of the GST rate for all advanced batteries under heading 8507 to a uniform 18%, replacing the earlier regime where lithium-ion batteries were taxed at 18%, while other chemistries attracted a 28% GST.

Servotech Renewable Power System has partnered with China-based Zhuhai Piwin New Energy Co. Ltd. (Pilot Group) to manufacture advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India, with technology support from Zhuhai Piwin.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an INR 1,500 crore incentive scheme to develop recycling capacity in the country for the separation and production of critical minerals from secondary sources.