India’s largest power producer, NTPC Ltd., has announced a major step in its clean energy transition with the launch of the country’s first CO₂ battery energy storage project. The initiative will be executed by Triveni Turbine Limited in collaboration with Italian energy storage firm Energy Dome, marking a significant shift towards sustainable and innovative power solutions.
The project will be located at NTPC’s Kudgi plant in Karnataka and will have a storage capacity of 160MWh. It forms part of NTPC’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix and increase the share of renewable power in its overall capacity.
Advancing Clean Energy Storage
Unlike conventional battery storage systems, the CO₂ battery technology, developed by Energy Dome, offers several advantages. It does not require critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, has minimal performance degradation over time, and allows for a 100% depth of discharge. These features position it as a durable and efficient solution for long-duration energy storage.
NTPC’s Chairman and Managing Director, Gurdeep Singh, highlighted the significance of the development:
“This is a landmark step in long-duration energy storage. NTPC is proud to be at the forefront of technology and to set up the first CO₂ battery at Kudgi. With a lifespan of over 25 years and superior performance compared to traditional battery energy storage systems (BESS), this project will pave the way for future innovations in electrical energy storage.”
The project aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, aiming to strengthen the country’s industrial supply chain. It also opens up opportunities for domestic CO₂ battery production with potential for exports to global markets.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Project
Claudio Spadacini, Founder and CEO of Energy Dome, described the partnership as a major step towards decarbonisation.
“The best projects create win-win opportunities. Our collaboration with NTPC and Triveni Turbines supports NTPC’s round-the-clock renewable energy delivery while also boosting India’s local supply chain. This project will serve as a key global reference for our technology and contribute to a cleaner and more resilient energy future,” he said.
Triveni Turbines’ Chairman and Managing Director, Dhruv M Sawhney, also emphasised the importance of the initiative.
“We are delighted to be part of this landmark order from NTPC, which supports India’s renewable energy ambitions. Our CO₂-based solutions represent our commitment to innovation and energy efficiency. This partnership with Energy Dome will enable us to deliver sustainable alternatives for green energy storage,” he stated.
Shaping the Future of Energy Storage
The successful deployment of this CO₂ battery storage system could set a precedent for similar projects across India and internationally. By offering a long-duration storage solution that does not rely on lithium-ion technology, NTPC and its partners are positioning themselves at the cutting edge of energy innovation.
As India accelerates its clean energy transition, developments such as this are expected to play a critical role in ensuring a stable, renewable-powered grid while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.