India could see commercial-scale deployment of sodium-ion batteries within the next two to three years, as researchers have advanced the technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and above, Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said. Sarangi explained that technologies reaching TRL 7—where a system prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment—can typically progress from pilot projects to commercial production within two to three years. As India rapidly expands renewable energy capacity, the government expects alternative battery technologies to play a growing role in meeting the country’s energy storage requirements, according to ANI.
Sodium-Ion Batteries Move Closer to Commercialisation
The advancement of sodium-ion battery technology to TRL 7 and above indicates that the technology could soon move towards commercial-scale deployment in India. Sodium-ion batteries could also help diversify India’s energy storage technology portfolio. Moreover, as renewable energy generation increases, the country needs reliable and cost-effective storage solutions to manage intermittent power generation. Consequently, commercialising sodium-ion technology could provide India with another option alongside established lithium-ion battery systems.
Vanadium Flow Batteries Gain Momentum
Meanwhile, vanadium flow batteries are also gaining traction in India’s energy storage market. Sarangi said domestic manufacturers are developing supply capabilities, while increasing demand could help bring down production costs. In addition, NTPC Green Energy has placed an order for 100 MW of vanadium flow battery capacity, creating further opportunities for domestic manufacturers. As production volumes increase, economies of scale could lower battery costs and improve the commercial viability of vanadium flow battery technology.
India Targets 411 GWh of Energy Storage
India is also rapidly expanding its energy storage infrastructure. According to estimates from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the country’s energy storage requirement could reach around 411 GWh by 2031–32. Sarangi said India is on track to meet this requirement ahead of schedule. Although installed storage capacity remains relatively low, around 156 GWh of battery energy storage projects are currently under tendering, processing or implementation. Therefore, continued investment in battery storage technologies will be essential to support India’s growing renewable energy capacity.
Battery Recycling Remains a Government Priority
Alongside battery manufacturing and deployment, the government is also addressing battery recycling. Sarangi said battery recycling is currently covered under existing e-waste regulations. However, the government could introduce additional provisions if future requirements make them necessary. A stronger recycling ecosystem could subsequently help India recover valuable materials, reduce waste and improve the long-term sustainability of its battery industry.
India Considers New Polysilicon Manufacturing Scheme
The government is also working on a new scheme to encourage domestic polysilicon manufacturing. Sarangi said the capacity expected under the earlier Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme may not be sufficient to meet India’s future requirements. The earlier framework covered polysilicon, wafers, solar cells and modules but is expected to create only limited polysilicon production capacity. To strengthen domestic manufacturing and energy security, India is considering adding at least 30 GW of polysilicon manufacturing capacity by 2030.
Building a Stronger Clean Energy Supply Chain
The push for sodium-ion batteries, vanadium flow batteries, battery recycling and domestic polysilicon production reflects India’s broader strategy to strengthen its clean energy manufacturing ecosystem. As reported by knnindia.co.in, by developing multiple energy storage technologies and increasing domestic manufacturing capacity, India can reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities while supporting the rapid expansion of renewable energy, electric mobility and energy storage.
