Source: BW
Subject: Economy
Context: India inaugurated its first MWh-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system of 3 MWh capacity at NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida, marking a breakthrough in long-duration energy storage (LDES) and renewable energy integration.
About India’s First MWh-Scale Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC NETRA:
What it is?
- The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) is an advanced liquid-electrolyte–based energy storage system, designed as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale storage.
- It enables large-scale, long-duration energy retention crucial for renewable energy
Located in: NTPC NETRA (National Energy Technology Research Alliance), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Organisation Involved: Developed by NTPC’s R&D Centre (NETRA) under the Ministry of Power
Aim: To strengthen India’s energy transition and grid resilience by developing indigenous, safe, and long-duration storage technologies that reduce dependence on imported lithium.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 3 MWh — India’s largest and first-of-its-kind installation
- Technology: Uses vanadium electrolyte instead of lithium; highly scalable, safe, and long-lasting
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with minimal degradation
- Applications: Supports renewable energy integration, microgrids, and industrial storage
- Eco-friendly: Enables recycling of electrolytes and non-flammable operation
Significance:
- Marks India’s entry into next-generation, non-lithium energy storage.
- Enhances renewable energy reliability by storing excess solar and wind power.
- Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous clean energy innovation.
- Positions NTPC as a global leader in R&D across green hydrogen, carbon capture, and LDES technologies.
