Major Milestone in Energy Innovation
India Launches First MWh-Scale Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC NETRA: India has marked a breakthrough in energy technology with the inauguration of its first MWh-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) system at NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida. The 3 MWh battery was inaugurated on November 11, 2025, by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. This development strengthens India’s capabilities in long-duration energy storage (LDES), addressing renewable intermittency challenges and enhancing national grid resilience.
Static GK fact: NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, is India’s largest power utility, established in 1975 and headquartered in New Delhi.
Why Vanadium Flow Batteries are Game-Changers
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the Vanadium Flow Battery uses vanadium ions in liquid electrolytes, enabling energy storage for extended periods without degradation. These batteries are non-flammable, have long operational lifespans, and allow independent scaling of power and energy capacity.
By developing an indigenous system, India is moving closer to reducing dependence on lithium and rare-earth imports, a key step toward strategic energy independence.
Static GK Tip: Vanadium is a transition metal (atomic number 23) widely used in steel alloys and energy storage technologies.
Strengthening Renewable Energy Integration
The project aligns with India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 and ensuring energy security through diversified storage solutions. It complements the government’s initiatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and carbon neutrality targets for 2070.
Minister Shri Manohar Lal highlighted that the system will help manage renewable fluctuations and ensure stable, uninterrupted power supply to support industrial and household demand.
Static GK fact: The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in 2023 to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
Innovation Hub at NTPC NETRA
During the inauguration, the Minister also reviewed NTPC NETRA’s other innovation projects such as:
- Green Hydrogen Mobility Plant
- STP Water-based Green Hydrogen Plant
- Solid Oxide-based High-Temperature Steam Electrolyzer
- RDF-based Enhanced Steam Gasification Plant
- AC Microgrid (4 MWp Solar + 1 MWh Lithium-NMC Storage)
These initiatives showcase NTPC’s commitment to a low-carbon economy and highlight India’s growing capacity for homegrown clean energy research.
Static GK Tip: NETRA stands for “National Energy Technology Research Alliance” and serves as NTPC’s R&D wing focusing on sustainable energy innovation.
Boosting Technological Self-Reliance
The Vanadium Flow Battery project symbolizes India’s shift from dependency to Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in energy technologies. It demonstrates how public sector R&D, when combined with indigenous innovation, can accelerate the country’s clean energy transformation.
With continuous progress in storage and hydrogen technologies, India is set to become a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Launches First MWh-Scale Vanadium Flow Battery at NTPC NETRA:
| Topic | Detail |
| Inauguration Date | November 11, 2025 |
| Location | NTPC NETRA, Greater Noida |
| Battery Type | Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) |
| Capacity | 3 MWh |
| Inaugurated By | Shri Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs |
| Purpose | Long-duration energy storage and renewable integration |
| Supporting Mission | National Green Hydrogen Mission |
| Key Feature | Non-flammable, long cycle life, scalable design |
| Other NETRA Projects | Green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, microgrids |
| National Goal | 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2070 |
