India is set to deploy over 50 GW of energy storage by 2030, including battery storage systems and pumped hydro storage, both critical for balancing supply and demand across the grid. These initiatives not only ensure grid stability but also enhance energy security, supporting India’s ambitious decarbonization targets, writes Shalin Sheth, Founder & Managing Director at Advait Energy Transitions Limited.
India’s decarbonization vision for 2030 is rooted in achieving ambitious climate goals announced at the COP26 summit. With a commitment to sourcing 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources and installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, India aims to significantly curb its reliance on coal and oil. This shift supports India’s long-term objective to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 and reduce its carbon intensity by 45 percent by 2030.
The government has introduced critical policies like the National Hydrogen Mission to encourage the adoption of green hydrogen and improve renewable infrastructure, particularly through incentives for solar and wind projects. As India builds upon its robust renewable capacity—already the fifth largest in solar globally—its approach combines policy initiatives, technological advancements, and public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable, low-carbon growth that aligns with the needs of a developing economy.
Renewable Energy Expansion: Scaling Solar, Wind, and Hydro
India’s renewable energy expansion is a critical part of its goal to establish a sustainable energy mix. This plan prioritizes solar, wind, and hydro projects, supported by substantial government initiatives. Solar power leads the charge with a target of 280 GW by 2030, bolstered by programs like the Solar Parks Scheme, PM-KUSUM, and rooftop solar installations, all of which incentivize decentralized solar power generation in rural areas.
Wind energy also plays a significant role, with the government developing offshore wind potential along the coastlines of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Policies supporting hybrid solar-wind projects help ensure grid stability and a consistent power supply. The Green Energy Corridor project further enhances the infrastructure by connecting renewable energy sources to high-demand areas, supporting India’s economic and environmental objectives.
These initiatives not only propel India toward its climate goals but also bolster energy security, create green jobs, and attract sustainable investment across the country.
Advancing Grid Infrastructure and Energy Storage Solutions
India’s renewable energy goals require substantial advancements in grid infrastructure and energy storage solutions. As renewable sources like solar and wind are inherently variable, maintaining a stable power supply poses challenges. To address these, India has prioritized grid modernization and expanded energy storage initiatives. The government’s National Electricity Plan outlines transmission upgrades and a new “Round-the-Clock” (RTC) power model that integrates renewables with energy storage, aiming to deliver reliable energy supply even during low production periods.
India is set to deploy over 50 GW of energy storage by 2030, including battery storage systems and pumped hydro storage, both critical for balancing supply and demand across the grid. These initiatives not only ensure grid stability but also enhance energy security, supporting India’s ambitious decarbonization targets.
Role of Green Hydrogen and Emerging Technologies in Decarbonization
Green hydrogen and emerging technologies are key to India’s decarbonization goals, particularly for sectors that are challenging to decarbonize, like steel, refining, and shipping. Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India is committed to developing green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Green hydrogen, produced via renewable-powered electrolysis, has no carbon emissions, making it an ideal substitute for traditional, carbon-intensive grey hydrogen, which relies on natural gas.
India aims to achieve 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen production by 2030, with a supportive policy framework and production incentives to encourage adoption. By establishing domestic manufacturing capabilities and leveraging existing renewable resources, India could reduce green hydrogen production costs significantly, making it a competitive and sustainable choice for the global market. As policies and infrastructure for hydrogen production and distribution expand, green hydrogen’s integration with sectors like fertilizers, transportation, and heavy industry could transform India’s energy landscape, positioning it as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Investments in emerging technologies, such as advanced electrolysis and fuel cell technology, along with research in hydrogen storage and transportation, will also be crucial. These developments promise to create green jobs, enhance energy security, and support India’s path to net-zero emissions, strengthening its role in the global clean energy transition.
State Initiatives Driving India’s Green Hydrogen Revolution
India’s states are advancing Green Hydrogen production to meet national decarbonization goals. Each state leverages unique renewable resources and policy support to develop the infrastructure required for hydrogen production and utilization.
Maharashtra launched the Green Hydrogen Policy 2023, offering significant incentives, such as 100 percent electricity discounts for green hydrogen projects and 30 percent capital subsidies for the first 20 refueling stations. Maharashtra aims to produce 0.5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, focusing on sectors like transportation and heavy industry
Gujarat has set up Renewable Energy Parks like the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, one of the largest, targeting up to 30 GW of combined solar and wind power for green hydrogen production. The state aims to generate 1 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Gujarat also plans to use this green hydrogen for domestic needs and export purposes, capitalizing on its extensive coastline and renewable infrastructure
Tamil Nadu is pursuing offshore wind-based hydrogen production, given its coastal advantage. The state has set a target to contribute to India’s goal of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, with a focus on industrial and transport sectors. Tamil Nadu has signed partnerships with private companies to implement hydrogen fuel cells in transportation and industrial decarbonization
These initiatives align with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which is backed by $2.3 billion in funding to help India achieve its ambitious goal of producing 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen by 2030, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy.
Conclusion
India’s journey towards a decarbonized future by 2030 is set on an ambitious path combining renewable energy expansion, advanced grid infrastructure, and green hydrogen initiatives. With robust policies, state-led projects, and public-private partnerships, India aims to transform its energy landscape, secure sustainable growth, and play a pivotal role in global climate action.