Relevance: mains: G.S paper III: Economy
Context:
- Unlike conventional energy, renewable energy (such as solar) cannot be generated with precision, since the sun is out only for a few hours in a day.
• It needs to be stored so it can be used when needed.
• The economics of battery-tech is compelling. India’s cumulative battery requirements between 2026 and 2030 will be at least 2,410 GWh.
• Assuming that India will manufacture both cells and packs while importing only cathodes (depending on technology used), the country can cater to nearly 80 per cent of the ₹9.3-13.7 lakh crore market.
Lithium-ion batteries:
- The lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more compact than lead acid batteries, are well known, newer tech such as saltwater batteries are being increasingly considered.
• These batteries don’t contain heavy metals, relying instead on saltwater electrolytes.
• The former need to be disposed of with special processes, a saltwater battery can be easily recycled.
• India needs to figure out what its best option is, and soon.
• Tesla Motors launched its home battery product, the Tesla Powerwall, back in 2015. But India has not even taken the first step in this direction.
Steps towards reduction of greenhouse gas emissions:
• India has set a goal of producing 40 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• Additionally, by 2022, the government is aiming to produce 175 GW through renewable sources — 1 GW could power 3,00,000 homes.
• The government has said the right things. However, the question of how the solar energy will be used without storage remains.
Conclusion:
• Globally, storage prices are dropping, driven by usage of solar energy in automobiles and consumer electronics.
• Battery-pack costs are down to less than $230 per kilowatt-hour in 2016, compared with almost $1,000 per kilowatt-hour in 2010.
• Battery packs open up demand for electric vehicles. As the government envisions a ‘one nation one grid’ system, the question of storage assumes special importance.