Que: Please give us a brief about Sanvaru Technology Ltd. and its product portfolio highlighting the company’s energy storage range for residential as well as commercial segments.

Ans: Established in 2014, Sanvaru Technology Ltd. stands at the forefront of lithium-ion battery storage solutions. With a deep-rooted commitment to innovation, we provide cutting-edge solutions tailored for the 3D Mechanism: Decarbonisation, Digitisation, and Decentralisation. Our diverse product & services portfolio includes:

C&I / Behind the Meter
• Demand Charge Reduction
• Backup Power/UPS
• PV Optimisation

Telecom
• Diesel Displacement
• Renewable Integration

Solar PV Applications
• Solar Ramp Rate Control
• Load Shaping and Shifting

E-Mobility and EV Batteries
• Two Wheelers
• Three Wheelers (Both Passenger & Loaders)
• Four Wheelers (Including Trucks and Loaders)
• Industrial Trucks and Automated Guided Vehicles (For Traction Use)

EV Fast Charging
• Rapid DC EV Charging Solutions

Smart & Future Cities
• IoT (Internet of Things)
• IoE (Internet of Everything)
• AI (Artificial Intelligence)
• Neural Network Innovations
• E-Intelligence Applications

Utility Services / Grid Connected
• Ancillary Services
• Transmission Deferral

Battery As A Service (BAAS) for Mobility
• Three-Wheeler Battery Rentals

Battery As A Service (BAAS) for Stationary Applications
• Power Backup Solutions

At Sanvaru Technology Ltd., we pride ourselves on our experience, dedication, and capability to transform energy storage solutions.

Que: Could you shed some light on some of the noteworthy energy storage projects recently undertaken by Sanvaru?

Ans: Sanvaru Technology Ltd. has firmly established its footprint in the Indian energy landscape by successfully deploying high-voltage batteries ranging from 600V to 900V. These deployments, spread across the nation, underscore our commitment to utility-scale energy solutions. Moreover, we are poised for further expansion, with incoming orders for megawatt-level Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Our endeavours continue to fortify our reputation as leaders in the energy storage sector.

Que: According to you, what type of energy storage applications have good prospects in the Indian market?

Ans: Several energy storage applications show promising prospects in the Indian market:

Grid-Scale Energy Storage: As India continues to add significant amounts of renewable energy to its grid, there's an increasing need for grid stabilization and balancing. Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can help manage the grid's intermittent renewable energy supply.

Microgrids and Rural Electrification: Many parts of India, especially remote and rural areas, still face power supply challenges. Microgrids with integrated energy storage can provide reliable power to such areas, enabling both electrification and economic growth.

Rooftop Solar Integration: As the adoption of rooftop solar systems grows in urban areas, homeowners and businesses will benefit from energy storage solutions to maximize self-consumption and ensure power continuity during grid outages.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) and EV Charging Infrastructure: The Indian government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption. This transition necessitates both energy storage solutions for the vehicles themselves and the development of a robust charging infrastructure.

Telecom Towers: With the rapid expansion of telecommunication services across India, energy storage solutions for telecom towers can ensure uninterrupted service. Given the frequent power cuts in many regions, batteries can help bridge the gap.

Peak Load Management for Utilities: Energy storage can help utilities manage peak demand more effectively, reducing the need for peak power plants and ensuring more stable electricity prices.

Backup Power Solutions: Due to occasional power outages in both urban and rural areas, there's a demand for reliable backup power solutions, moving beyond traditional diesel generators to cleaner battery storage options.

Railways and Public Transport Systems: As India's railways and public transportation networks expand and modernize, energy storage solutions can be integrated to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Industrial Use: Industries that require a consistent power supply, such as IT, data centers, and critical manufacturing.

Que: India plans INR 3,760 crore incentives for 4,000 MWh capacity BESS projects. What are your views on it?

Ans: The announcement of a INR 3,760 crore incentive for 4,000 MWh capacity Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects by the Indian government is a clear indication of India's commitment to strengthening its energy infrastructure, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. Here are some views on this initiative:

Promotion of Renewable Energy Integration: As India ramps up its renewable energy capacity, the intermittency of solar and wind power presents challenges for grid stability. BESS projects can help smooth out this intermittency, allowing for a higher percentage of renewables in the energy mix without compromising grid stability.

Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: Such a sizable incentive could spur the growth of domestic battery manufacturing. Given the global demand for batteries, this could position India not just as a consumer, but also as a significant player in the battery production market.

Reduction in Battery Costs: With the push for larger-scale BESS projects, economies of scale could potentially drive down costs. This would benefit not just large-scale grid applications but also other sectors like electric mobility, where battery costs are a significant component.

Job Creation: Large-scale BESS projects require skilled and unskilled labor, leading to job creation. Additionally, if this leads to increased domestic manufacturing, it could result in even more jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Attracting Foreign Investment: Clear policy signals and incentives like this one make the market attractive for foreign players, leading to increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector.

Challenges in Implementation: While the incentives are promising, the actual impact will depend on the efficiency and transparency of their implementation. Issues like land acquisition, project approvals, and grid connectivity need streamlined processes to ensure these projects come online rapidly.

Environmental Considerations: Large-scale BESS projects also need to consider environmental factors. The lifecycle of batteries, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling, has environmental implications. Ensuring sustainable practices throughout can make this initiative truly impactful in the long run.

In conclusion, the allocation of INR 3,760 crore for BESS projects is a commendable step forward for India's energy sector. If executed well, it can bolster grid reliability, promote domestic industry, and significantly advance India's renewable energy ambitions.

Que: What are the current major challenges for the energy storage sector?

Ans: The energy storage sector, despite its crucial role in the transition to more sustainable energy systems, faces a number of challenges. Here are some of the major challenges faced by the sector as of the last update:

Cost Issues: Even though the prices of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, have dropped significantly in the past decade, the cost of energy storage systems remains a barrier to widespread adoption, especially in developing countries or for longer-duration storage needs.

Technology Development: While lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, there's a need for the development of other storage technologies that might be more suitable for long-duration storage or have fewer resource constraints.

Supply Chain and Raw Material Concerns: The energy storage industry, especially lithium-ion batteries, relies on specific raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Concerns related to the supply, ethical sourcing, and geopolitical issues surrounding these materials are significant.

Que: In the coming future, what will drive the energy storage industry ahead and where do you see the investment coming from?

Ans: In the foreseeable future, several factors will drive the energy storage industry forward:
Renewable Energy Integration: As the share of renewable energy (solar, wind) in the energy mix grows, storage will be crucial to address intermittency and ensure grid stability.

Electrification of Transport: The boom in electric vehicles (EVs) demands advances in energy storage both for the vehicles themselves and for the supporting infrastructure.

Grid Resilience: With climate change leading to more extreme weather events, energy storage can play a pivotal role in ensuring grid reliability and resilience during disruptions.

Technological Innovation: Breakthroughs in storage technologies, beyond just lithium-ion, can offer better performance, longer duration, and reduced costs.

Decentralization of Energy Systems: As microgrids and distributed energy systems gain traction, localized energy storage will be integral.
As for investment:

Private Sector: Large corporations, especially those in the tech and automotive industries, will continue investing heavily in energy storage R&D and deployment.

Public Sector: Governments will allocate funds to promote domestic energy storage industries and integrate storage into public infrastructure projects.

Venture Capital & Private Equity: As the energy transition accelerates, VCs and PEs will see growing opportunities in innovative energy storage startups.

Multilateral Institutions: Organizations like the World Bank or Asian Development Bank will finance energy storage projects, especially in developing nations, to promote sustainable development.

In summary, a combination of technological, environmental, and economic factors will propel the energy storage industry, with investments coming from a mix of public and private sources.

Que: Please brief us on LFP (LiFePO4) technology. What are some of the key technology trends that will shape energy storage deployment in the coming years?

Ans: LFP batteries provide a safer, eco-friendly choice in the lithium-ion category. In the wider energy storage domain, advancements will focus on enhancing performance, ensuring safety, promoting sustainability, and syncing with a dynamic energy grid.