In a significant move to strengthen India’s domestic energy storage ecosystem, the Ministry of Power (MoP) has issued a new directive mandating a minimum 20% local content  in all Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects implemented under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme , supported through the Power System Development Fund (PSDF) . The order, addressed to major renewable‑energy‑rich States and NTPC, responds to multiple requests from States seeking exemption from