India's Gujarat state commissions 870-MW battery storage capacity across five locations

India’s western state of Gujarat has rolled out battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 870 MW at five sites as part of its push to strengthen renewable energy integration and grid reliability, according to ANI.

The state has also registered 13 additional battery storage projects across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch, ANI reported, citing an official release. The projects are expected to support India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030 under the renewable energy roadmap championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A new battery storage facility has recently been commissioned at Charal in Ahmedabad district’s Sanand taluka, while four other systems are already operational at Modhera in Mehsana district and Lakhpat in Kutch. Gujarat has also incorporated advanced energy storage infrastructure into the Gujarat Integrated Renewable Energy Policy, 2025, under which approvals are being granted for standalone battery projects as well as systems linked to new and existing renewable energy installations.

According to the release cited by ANI, commercial and industrial consumers will eventually be allowed to establish battery storage units alongside their solar and wind energy projects once the state finalises and approves the standard operating procedure for registrations.

Battery Energy Storage Systems play a critical role in balancing electricity supply from renewable sources such as solar power, which fluctuates during the day. Excess electricity generated during daylight hours can be stored and later supplied during periods of peak demand, particularly in the evening when solar generation declines sharply.

The state government said the storage systems are also expected to reduce pressure on the electricity grid, improve voltage and frequency regulation, and provide emergency backup support during disruptions.

Under Gujarat’s deployment strategy, companies are being selected through a competitive bidding process, with storage systems located close to renewable energy projects to minimise transmission losses and improve operational efficiency. The Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation and power distribution companies are identifying suitable locations based on grid requirements and network capacity, the release added, according to ANI.