The Tamil Nadu government is preparing to introduce a dedicated policy for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and battery recycling, marking a significant step towards strengthening the state’s clean energy and circular economy ambitions. The proposed policy is being developed in collaboration with IIT Madras, which will provide technical expertise and research support for advanced battery technologies.
The announcement was made during Energy Minister V. Senthil Balaji’s visit to the IIT Madras campus, where he reviewed ongoing research related to battery storage and recycling technologies. Officials highlighted that the initiative aims to create a comprehensive policy framework covering the entire battery lifecycle, from deployment and usage to end-of-life recycling and material recovery.
As part of the collaboration, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Madras to accelerate research on emerging energy technologies. The institute is currently working on Battery Energy Storage Systems and advanced battery recycling solutions that can support the state’s growing renewable energy capacity while reducing environmental impact.
The proposed policy is expected to address key areas such as energy storage deployment, battery manufacturing, safe disposal practices, recycling infrastructure, and recovery of valuable materials from used batteries. Industry experts believe a well-defined regulatory framework will encourage investment, improve resource efficiency, and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading clean energy manufacturing hub.
Battery Energy Storage Systems are becoming increasingly important as India expands solar and wind power generation. Large-scale storage solutions help balance electricity supply, improve grid stability, and enable better integration of renewable energy into the power network. At the same time, battery recycling will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainable management of lithium-ion batteries as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow.
With the upcoming BESS and battery recycling policy, Tamil Nadu aims to build a future-ready energy ecosystem that combines technological innovation, sustainable resource management, and industrial growth. The collaboration with IIT Madras is expected to help the state develop practical, research-driven policies that support India’s energy transition and strengthen the domestic battery value chain.
