India Unveils First MWh-Scale Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC NETRA

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.

Why Vanadium Flow Batteries Matter

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.

Boosting India’s Renewable Energy Goals

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.

Demonstrating Innovation at NETRA

During his visit to NETRA, the Minister reviewed several cutting-edge demonstration projects, which included,

• Green Hydrogen Mobility Plant
• STP Water-based Green Hydrogen Plant
• Solid Oxide-based High-Temperature Steam Electrolyzer
• Municipal Solid Waste-RDF based Enhanced Steam Gasification Plant
• AC Microgrid (4 MWp Solar + 1 MWh Lithium-NMC Battery Storage)

These initiatives reflect NTPC’s commitment to clean energy research and innovation, building the foundation for India’s future low-carbon economy.

Static Facts

• Event Date: November 11, 2025
• Project Location: NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida
• Battery Type: Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB)
• Battery Capacity: 3 MWh
• Inaugurated By: Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs
• Purpose: Long-duration energy storage, renewable integration
• Other Technologies at NETRA: Green hydrogen, carbon capture, waste-to-energy, microgrids
• Significance: First MWh-scale VRFB in India; supports energy transition and grid reliability