PGCIL teams up with Volks Energie for nickel-cadmium battery solutions

Power Equipment

T&D India
February 18, 2025

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), has awarded Volks Energie a project to deploy nickel-cadmium battery solutions at its substations.

This project is seen helping PGCIL to move from relying on traditional VRLA/lead acid batteries to more reliable and sustainable Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries. These batteries offer three times the lifespan compared to conventional batteries, and a more reliable energy storage solution, a release from Volks Energie said.

With a growing network of 600+ substations across India, the Power Grid plays a significant role in ensuring smooth power transmissions. Volks Energie’s association with Power Grid reaffirms its leadership position in providing sustainable and advanced energy storage solutions. The move also aligns with India’s massive shift towards long-term sustainability and liberation from outdated technologies that are more hazardous to the environment.

The Ni-Cd advantage

Compared to Lead-Acid batteries, Nickel-Cadmium batteries offer a lifespan of over 20 years as against 5-7 years seen in conventional batteries. This extended longevity helps reduce hazardous wastes while optimizing operational costs. Additionally, Ni-Cd batteries are more reliable and resilient, and perform better in extreme climatic conditions, hence effectively eliminating the problem of “sudden death”, found commonly with VRLA batteries.

Supporting sustainability

Commenting on the association, Piyush Goyal, Co-Founder & CEO of Volks Energie said, “We are certainly thrilled and honoured to join hands with Power Grid and help shape India’s transition towards sustainability. At Volks Energie, we are committed to driving India’s future towards sustainable and clean energy solutions, and this association is a big step in that direction. With optimized operations and excellence in execution, we intend to support not only Power Grid’s transition towards sustainability but also help India harness energy in a way conducive for long-term & sustainable growth.”

Deployment begins

Volks Energie, a provider of solar energy, hvac, and energy storage solutions, has already commenced deployment of its advanced Ni-Cd systems in several PGCIL substations including Kargil, Dehradun, and Ambala.

Volks Energie has proven expertise in executing projects across India’s rugged terrain and challenging climatic conditions. As India makes progress towards its sustainable and clean energy goals, such collaborations are going to play a vital role in times to come, the release added.