CEA Proposes Mandatory Battery Storage for New Solar, Wind Projects.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed mandatory energy storage requirements for new solar and wind power projects as India works to strengthen grid stability and support the growing share of renewable energy.

Under the draft CEA Technical Standards Amendment Regulations, 2026, ground-mounted solar power projects and onshore wind projects commissioned after July 1, 2027, would be required to install co-located energy storage equivalent to at least 10% of their installed capacity. The storage system would need to provide a minimum duration of two hours.

For renewable energy projects commissioned after July 1, 2029, and up to June 30, 2031, the proposed minimum storage duration would increase to four hours. Under this requirement, a 100 MW renewable energy project would need at least 10 MW/40 MWh of energy storage.

The CEA has also proposed new grid-forming inverter requirements. At least 15% of inverters installed at renewable energy plants commissioned after July 2027 would need grid-forming capabilities. Battery energy storage system power conversion systems would also be required to incorporate grid-forming technology.

The proposed measures are aimed at addressing fluctuations in solar and wind generation, reducing renewable energy curtailment and improving the overall stability and reliability of India's electricity grid.

As renewable energy capacity continues to expand, battery energy storage systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in balancing electricity supply and demand and supporting grid operations.

Stakeholders have been invited to submit their comments and suggestions on the draft regulations by October 4, 2026.