India Approves First 100 MWh Flow Battery Project

India has approved its first utility-scale 100 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRFB BESS) for deployment at Khavda Solar Park in Gujarat. NTPC Renewable Energy Limited awarded the contract for the project on 20-21 July 2026, and the system is scheduled for deployment in 2027 with 10 years of operations and maintenance services.

Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

A vanadium redox flow battery is a type of rechargeable battery that stores energy in liquid electrolyte solutions containing vanadium ions. The technology separates energy storage capacity from power output, which allows larger systems to be designed by increasing the size of the electrolyte tanks. VRFB systems use vanadium in multiple oxidation states, which reduces cross-contamination between the positive and negative electrolytes. This battery chemistry is classified as a flow battery and is used for stationary grid storage applications.

Project Structure and Industrial Participation

Bondada Engineering Limited secured the engineering, procurement and construction package for the project. Delectrik Systems Pvt Ltd is the technology partner for the battery system. The project is the first and largest grid-scale VRFB BESS in India. It is also the first non-lithium utility-scale battery energy storage system in the country that is 100% designed, engineered and manufactured in India.

Khavda Solar Park and Energy Storage Context

The battery system will be installed at Khavda Solar Park, a major renewable energy site in Gujarat. Khavda Solar Park is planned to become the world’s largest renewable energy park with a projected 30 GW generation capacity by 2029. Utility-scale battery energy storage systems are used to store electricity from renewable sources and supply it when generation falls. Such systems are relevant for grid balancing, peak load management and renewable energy integration.

Important Facts for Exams

• Vanadium Redox Flow Battery is a flow battery technology that uses vanadium-based electrolytes.
• Utility-scale battery projects are designed for grid-level electricity storage rather than household use.
• Khavda Solar Park is located in Gujarat and is planned to reach 30 GW capacity by 2029.
• Delectrik Systems had earlier deployed a 3 MWh VRFB system in 2025 at Greater Noida, NTPC.

Energy Security and Domestic Manufacturing

The project uses domestic vanadium resources and reduces dependence on imported cells. India has identified battery storage as a key component of renewable energy expansion and grid stability.