CEA Advisory on 100% Grid-Forming Inverters for Upcoming BESS Projects

Grid-Forming Inverters in India’s Renewable Energy Transition: Ensuring Stability in High-RE Power Systems

With the rapid growth of renewable energy (RE) capacity and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India, the grid is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by inverter-based resources. Currently, most solar and BESS installations rely on grid-following inverters, which depend on an existing grid signal to operate. While effective in strong grids, large-scale deployment of these systems is now creating significant technical challenges for grid stability and system reliability.

A key concern is the declining Short Circuit Ratio (SCR), which indicates weakening system strength as inverter-based generation replaces conventional synchronous generation. This has led to increased power system oscillations, voltage instability, and frequency control challenges. As more RE and BESS projects are integrated using only grid-following inverters, these risks are expected to intensify, posing serious concerns for secure and reliable grid operation.

In response, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has highlighted the critical role of grid-forming inverters in strengthening India’s power system. Unlike grid-following technologies, grid-forming inverters can establish voltage and frequency references, enhance system strength, and enable black start capability—making them essential for RE-rich corridors and future-ready grids.

To address these challenges, CEA has recommended the adoption of 100% grid-forming inverters in upcoming BESS projects. This marks a significant shift in India’s grid planning and renewable integration strategy.

To support this transition, NETRA is organizing a stakeholder consultation to evaluate technical, commercial, and regulatory implications. The discussion will bring together developers, OEMs, policymakers, utilities, and experts to identify implementation pathways, assess cost impacts, and enable a smooth transition toward a stable, resilient, and high-renewable power system.