Key Facts & Data Points

  • Non‑fossil installed capacity (Nov 2025): 262.74 GW (51.5% of total).\
  • Solar capacity: 132.85 GW (41% YoY growth).\
  • Wind capacity: 53.99 GW.\
  • Rajasthan example: 23 GW renewable installed, but only 18.9 GW can be evacuated – ~4,000 MW stranded.\
  • 765 kV corridor utilisation: Designed for ~6,000 MW, operating at 600–1,000 MW (<20%).\
  • Storage needed by 2032: ~411 GWh of BESS/PHS.\
  • Target: Net‑Zero by 2070, 500 GW non‑fossil capacity by 2030.

Background & Context

India’s renewable surge, driven largely by solar, has outpaced the expansion of the Inter‑State Transmission System (ISTS). The Central Transmission Utility (CTU) allocates General Network Access (GNA) based on projected corridor capacity, but Grid India, the system operator, often permits far less power flow due to operational conservatism. This mismatch creates stranded assets, higher tariffs and threatens the country’s climate commitments.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Economic impact: Billion‑rupee investments become non‑performing, affecting developer confidence and financing.
  • Consumer cost: Under‑utilised assets increase electricity tariffs.
  • Policy credibility: Discrepancy between CTU approvals and actual evacuation erodes trust in government planning.
  • International commitments: Grid bottlenecks jeopardise India’s pledges under the Paris Agreement and the One Sun One World One Grid initiative.

Institutional & Legal Provisions

  • Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Governs GNA, T‑GNA mechanisms under the Electricity Act, 2003.
  • National Open Access Registry (NOAR): Platform for short‑term access to the ISTS.
  • Performance accountability: Currently lacking; no statutory penalties for grid under‑performance.

Challenges Identified

  1. Transmission Congestion – generation > evacuation capacity.\
  2. Under‑utilisation of high‑capacity corridors – <20% load factor.\
  3. Operational Conservatism – excessive curtailment citing voltage/ stability concerns despite available mitigation tech (STATCOM, SVC, etc.).\
  4. Lack of Dynamic Capacity Reallocation – static GNA allocations.\
  5. Insufficient Energy Storage – 411 GWh needed by 2032, current BESS/PHS far below target.\
  6. Supply‑chain vulnerability – heavy reliance on imports for lithium, cobalt, rare‑earths.

Ongoing & Planned Initiatives

  • PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana: ~14.43 lakh rooftop solar systems installed (2025).\
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission: 5 MMT green H₂ by 2030.\
  • Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM): Ensures quality & domestic content in solar PV.\
  • Production‑Linked Incentive (PLI) for solar & storage.\
  • International Solar Alliance & One Sun One World One Grid – multilateral cooperation.
  • Bharat Climate Forum (BCF): Platform for policy coordination and the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform targeting a $120‑$150 bn market by 2030.

Recommended Measures

  • Redefine Grid Operator Mandate: Include asset utilisation KPIs alongside reliability.
  • Equitable Curtailment Policy: Distribute curtailments proportionally; eliminate 100% shutdowns on T‑GNA projects.
  • Dynamic Capacity Reallocation: Real‑time re‑assignment of unused GNA via transparent protocols.
  • Automatic Accountability Reviews: Triggered when transmission assets consistently under‑perform; findings made public.
  • Adopt Advanced Grid Management: Deploy dynamic security assessments, real‑time contingency management, probabilistic risk evaluation, adaptive line ratings.
  • Scale Energy Storage: Accelerate BESS and pumped hydro deployment to meet the 411 GWh target.
  • Strengthen Institutional Coordination: Align CTU planning with Grid India operations.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 246 (Union List) – power to legislate on electricity and transmission.
  • Electricity Act, 2003 – provisions for open access, grid codes, and CERC’s regulatory authority.
  • National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2022 – emphasizes grid modernization and renewable integration.

Conclusion

Resolving grid bottlenecks is as critical as adding new renewable capacity. Without coordinated planning, advanced grid technologies, and robust storage, India risks stranded investments and missed climate targets.

Drishti Mains Question: India has rapidly expanded its renewable energy capacity but faces structural bottlenecks in grid infrastructure. Examine the causes and suggest measures to address them.