Ahmedabad: Gujarat figures among India’s top five states in deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), as rising concerns over energy security and volatility in conventional fuel markets push industries to strengthen backup and renewable integration strategies. According to data tabled by the Union ministry of power in Parliament, Gujarat currently has 77 MWh of BESS capacity, placing it fifth nationally after Bihar (282 MWh), Karnataka (150 MWh), Chhattisgarh (120 MWh) and Rajasthan (100 MWh). Even as Gujarat ranks fifth among states in the number of battery storage projects implemented, industry players argue that its pipeline remains strong.For instance, earlier this year, the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) approved tariffs for 1,665 MW/3,330 MWh of standalone BESS projects awarded through a competitive bidding process conducted by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL), marking one of the largest such battery storage procurements in the country. The projects form part of a broader 2,000 MW/4,000 MWh tender floated by GUVNL, with commissioning expected over the coming months. Adani Green Energy is developing one of India’s largest BESS projects, with plans for 3.5 GWh by March 2026, scaling to over 7 GWh by FY27. Ahmedabad-based Rajesh Power Services has also entered the utility-scale battery storage segment after securing a 65 MW/130 MWh standalone BESS project from GUVNL at Virpore. As renewable energy grows on the grid, the need for battery storage also rises because renewables are inherently variable. Studies suggest Gujarat will require around 55 GWh of BESS capacity in the coming years, while about 5 GWh is currently in the pipeline. Gujarat was among the earliest states to initiate battery storage tenders through GUVNL and GSECL, with several projects now nearing commissioning. “Given its strong renewable energy base and industrial demand, Gujarat is well positioned to lead battery storage adoption,” said Debmalya Sen, president, Indian Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). Industry experts add that apart from renewable intermittency, transmission bottlenecks and grid curtailment are also increasing the urgency for storage deployment in the state. “While Gujarat has added significant renewable energy generation capacity, strengthening transmission infrastructure is equally critical. At present, grid curtailment is occurring in some instances when supply exceeds demand, impacting revenues for renewable energy developers. Transmission bottlenecks have also slowed the deployment of new generation, making battery energy storage systems increasingly vital for balancing supply and demand. The Gujarat govt has introduced supportive policies for BESS,” said Kunj Shah, chairperson, energy committee, Assocham Gujarat State Council. Battery storage systems allow companies to store excess renewable power for later use, helping manage peak demand, stabilize internal power supply and reduce dependence on grid fluctuations.“The battery storage ecosystem is gaining traction rapidly because industrial users are increasingly viewing it as both a sustainability and reliability solution,” said Jaideep Malaviya, solar energy consultant. He noted that Gujarat’s large industrial base and renewable energy footprint make it a natural market for storage deployment, particularly in sectors such as chemicals, textiles, ceramics and engineering, where uninterrupted power is critical.“Major solar photovoltaic manufacturers such as Adani and Waaree are diversifying into battery storage as companies seek greater vertical integration across the clean energy value chain. Manufacturers are now looking beyond solar modules and moving towards integrated clean energy offerings, including storage, because that is where the market is headed,” he said.
