GIPCL Advances India’s Long-Duration Energy Storage Ambitions with 20 MW / 120 MWh Vanadium Flow Battery Project in Gujarat
Date: 26 May 2026 |
Source: www.energetica-india.net, 21 May 2026
Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL) has announced plans for a landmark 20 MW / 120 MWh Vanadium Flow Battery (VFB)-based Battery Energy Storage System at its 165 MW gas-based power plant in Vadodara, Gujarat. The project represents one of India’s most significant long-duration energy storage initiatives and marks a major step toward integrating advanced energy storage technologies into the country’s evolving power infrastructure.
The six-hour duration VFB system is designed to support renewable energy integration, improve grid flexibility, and enhance power system reliability across Gujarat’s electricity network. The project will provide a range of grid services including peak shaving, load shifting, ancillary support, frequency regulation, reactive power compensation, black start capability, and grid-forming operations.
GIPCL, which operates under the Gujarat state government’s Energy and Petrochemicals Department, launched the competitive bidding process on 21 May 2026 and is seeking an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor on a complete turnkey basis. The selected contractor will undertake detailed engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection, testing, commissioning, and long-term operations and maintenance of the system.
The project scope includes core VFB components such as electrolyte, storage tanks, cell stacks, membranes, pumps, piping, instrumentation, Battery Management System (BMS), Power Conversion System (PCS), transformers, switchgear, Energy Management System (EMS), SCADA integration, and fire protection infrastructure.
Located within GIPCL’s Vadodara gas plant complex, the storage system will operate under demanding environmental conditions, including temperatures ranging from 0°C to 50°C and humidity levels up to 95% without derating. The facility will be interconnected to the grid at 132 kV, 50 Hz.
The project has received in-principle approval from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) and will serve as a pilot for large-scale deployment of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies in India. GIPCL intends to demonstrate how VFB systems can support renewable-heavy grids while providing enhanced operational flexibility and long asset life.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, vanadium flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolyte tanks, enabling significantly longer cycle life, scalable energy capacity, and improved operational safety with minimal fire risk. Industry experts note that VFB technology is increasingly gaining global attention for grid-scale, long-duration applications due to its durability and suitability for frequent cycling operations.
GIPCL stated that the system is expected to operate at approximately 1.5 cycles per day, charging during off-peak periods and discharging during peak demand hours to maximize grid efficiency and renewable energy utilization.
With a total installed generation capacity of approximately 1,859 MW, including thermal, gas-based, and renewable assets, GIPCL continues to expand its role in supporting India’s clean energy transition and grid modernization efforts.