Advances In Battery Technology Can Be A Game Changer For The Renewable Energy Sector

Renewable energy is the need of a sustainable society, as it allows us to stop depending on fossil fuels. But renewable energy sources are irregular and may not be available during periods of high demand. This is where battery technology plays the important role of storing the energy generated for future use.

- Megha Rawat

Stored renewable energy plays a crucial role in creating a more flexible and reliable grid system by balancing the supply and demand for power. Future homes and businesses are set to have their own batteries, and this will change how the entire power sector operates. These customers at homes and offices will be able to store electricity, and use it when its price is the highest. According to various analysts, this possibility could increase the demand for, and the interest in energy storage batteries. In the renewable energy sector, particularly, the development of long lasting, reliable and more efficient batteries is crucial.

The battery options available

There are many options available for renewable energy storage but finding a technology that can address challenges like an unstable grid, heavy cycling and irregular full charging, is very important.

Deepak Omar, general manager, Okaya Power Pvt Ltd, says that the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is being seen as the next big opportunity in India’s renewable energy market, as researchers and manufacturers are experimenting with new technologies for storage batteries.

About the current battery manufacturing scenario, Sunil Bhatnagar, country head (energy division), Micromax Energy Ltd, says, “India is doing very well in the renewable energy field and there is very good scope for battery manufacturers. There are ample opportunities to supply batteries for solar home lights, solar streetlights, rural electrification programmes, etc. The main technologies are lead-acid tubular and VRLA, but now lithium technology is making inroads very fast. Till 2020, the potential for all battery manufacturers in India is excellent.”