India has achieved a major technological milestone with the launch of its first megawatt-hour (MWh) scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system. Inaugurated on November 11, 2025, by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, the 3 MWh VRFB system is housed at NTPC NETRA (Noida), the research and development centre of NTPC. This pioneering project represents a significant step towards long-duration energy storage (LDES), a critical need for ensuring renewable energy integration and enhancing grid stability. The inauguration was attended by top officials including Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), and Shri Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC.
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery operates using vanadium ions in various oxidation states, offering the ability to store electricity over extended durations. This is especially important for managing the intermittency of solar and wind power, making it a promising alternative in India’s clean energy strategy.
VRFBs are non-flammable, have long cycle lives, and allow for independent scaling of power and energy capacity. The development of this indigenous system enhances India’s access to diverse energy storage materials, thereby reducing overdependence on lithium and rare-earth imports.
The inauguration of this battery system aligns with India’s vision of increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix while ensuring energy security and reliability. With ambitious targets under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and carbon neutrality goals, India is ramping up innovations in storage technologies to manage load balancing and ensure uninterrupted supply.
Minister Shri Manohar Lal commended the NETRA team for driving solutions that strengthen the energy transition and bolster India’s technological self-reliance. He stressed the importance of continued innovation in emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, carbon capture, and waste-to-energy systems.
During his visit to NETRA, the Minister reviewed several cutting-edge demonstration projects, which included,
These initiatives reflect NTPC’s commitment to clean energy research and innovation, building the foundation for India’s future low-carbon economy.
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