India’s First MWh-Scale Vanadium Flow Battery Inaugurated at NTPC NETRA

IN NEWS: India’s First MWh-Scale Vanadium Flow Battery Inaugurated at NTPC NETRA

Analysis (UPSC Relevance)

• Context:
  Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, inaugurated India’s first and largest MWh-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system at NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida.
  • Capacity: 3 MWh
  • Objective: To promote long-duration energy storage (LDES) and enhance renewable energy integration and grid resilience.
• Key Highlights:
  1. Technological Advancement:
     • The Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) represents a new-generation energy storage technology, serving as an alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
     • The system can help in storing renewable power for extended durations, ensuring grid stability and energy reliability.
  2. Institutional Role:
     • The battery was inaugurated at NETRA (NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance) — the R&D centre of NTPC Limited.
     • The project underscores NTPC’s leadership in energy research and innovation.
  3. Minister’s Remarks:
     • The Minister commended NTPC NETRA for developing indigenous technologies supporting energy transition and energy security.
     • He highlighted India’s growing innovation capacity in green technologies, contributing to sustainable development.
  4. Associated Demonstration Projects at NETRA:
     The Minister also reviewed several ongoing green technology initiatives at the NETRA campus, including:
     • Green Hydrogen Mobility Plant
     • STP Water-based Green Hydrogen Plant
     • Solid Oxide-based High-Temperature Steam Electrolyzer
     • MSW-RDF based Enhanced Steam Gasification Plant
     • AC Microgrid (4 MWp & 1 MWh Li-NMC BESS)
     • NABL-accredited laboratories supporting R&D excellence.
• Significance:
  • Marks a crucial step in India’s transition to clean and renewable energy.
  • Reduces dependence on lithium-based imports, supporting Atma Nirbhar Bharat in the energy storage sector.
  • Supports National Hydrogen Mission and Energy Transition Roadmap 2030 by improving renewable storage infrastructure.

Static & Conceptual Part

• Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB):
  • A flow battery that uses vanadium ions in different oxidation states to store chemical potential energy.
  • Advantages:
    • Long life span and easy scalability.
    • Higher safety due to non-flammable electrolytes.
    • Capable of long-duration energy storage ideal for renewable sources like solar and wind.
  • Application: Large-scale grid storage, renewable energy stabilization, and industrial energy management.
• About NTPC NETRA:
  • Full form: NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance.
  • Located at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Functions as NTPC’s apex R&D centre focusing on innovation in power generation, clean energy, and sustainable technologies.
  • Research domains include carbon capture, hydrogen energy, waste-to-energy, and advanced battery technologies.
• About NTPC:
  • Formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation.
  • India’s largest power utility under the Ministry of Power.
  • Diversified portfolio includes thermal, hydro, solar, wind, and green hydrogen projects.

Updated – 11 Nov 2025 ; 7:12 PM | PIBNews Source