NTPC subsidiary to launch 500 MWh battery storage capacity imminently

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), the wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run NTPC, is preparing to bring 500 MWh of battery energy storage capacity into commercial operation shortly, marking a significant expansion of India's grid storage infrastructure.

Speaking at the 18th India Coal Summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, NVVN Chief Executive Officer Somes Bandyopadhyay outlined the company's aggressive deployment timeline. "Very soon we will be able to put 500 MWh BESS in commercial operation and target to commission a further 500 MWh by this financial year," he said.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) enable power plants and utilities to store electricity for later use, smoothing supply-demand mismatches and supporting grid stability. The systems typically comprise multiple batteries operating in coordinated arrays.

Bandyopadhyay noted that NVVN is pursuing battery storage expansion through multiple pathways. The government has allocated the company access to a 3,000 MWh scheme, providing a substantial framework for ongoing capacity additions across different operational models.

The announcements underpin India's accelerating push to develop large-scale battery storage capacity, driven by rapidly expanding renewable energy installations and supportive policy measures aimed at grid modernisation and energy transition.