Emphasising the importance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the country’s clean energy transition, A.P.J. Sheik Saleem, National Advisor of Solar-BESS Developers Association of India, on Wednesday urged the Centre to introduce subsidies for battery energy storage systems.Inaugurating the BESS Masterclass 2026, a training programme on Battery Energy Storage Systems, here on Wednesday, Mr. Saleem said BESS had an important role in achieving the country’s clean energy and energy security goals. While the country had made significant progress in solar energy generation, large-scale adoption of battery storage was essential to enable consumers to store and utilise renewable energy generated during the day for use during non-generation hours.Battery Energy Storage Systems played a key role in reducing dependence on conventional power sources and strengthening the country’s energy resilience, he added.He appealed to the Centre to extend subsidy for battery energy storage systems, similar to the support provided for solar installations. This would enable consumers to store and utilise solar energy efficiently, reduce dependence on conventional power sources, and accelerate India’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency and sustainable development. “Solar power generation alone is not enough; energy storage is the key to maximising green energy utilisation,” he said.The technical sessions of the Masterclass were held under Bhawani Singh Rathore, a renowned expert in Battery Energy Storage Systems, covering system design, safety standards, project implementation and emerging opportunities in the energy storage sector, according to a press release from the association.The inaugural session was presided over by K. Manikandan, president, Solar-BESS Developers Association of India. Ashok Rajkumar, general secretary, and others spoke at the event attended by industry professionals, solar developers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and renewable energy stakeholders.BESS technology will be a critical enabler for renewable energy integration, grid stability, peak load management and energy independence for residential, commercial and industrial consumers, the association said. Published - June 03, 2026 05:44 pm IST