Key Facts & Data Points

  • Non‑fossil share (Nov 2025): 51.5% of total installed capacity (262.74 GW).
  • Solar capacity: 132.85 GW (41% YoY growth).
  • Wind capacity: 53.99 GW.
  • Global ranking (IRENA 2025): 3rd in solar, 4th in wind, 4th in total renewable capacity.
  • Rajasthan case: 23 GW renewable installed, only 18.9 GW evacuable – ~4,000 MW stranded.
  • 765 kV corridor utilisation: Designed for ~6,000 MW, typically operates at 600–1,000 MW (<20%).
  • Energy storage need: ~411 GWh by 2032.
  • Policy milestones:
  • PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana (Feb 2024): 14.43 lakh rooftop solar systems installed in 2025.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission: Target 5 MMT green H₂ by 2030.
  • Approved List of Models & Manufacturers (ALMM) and PLI schemes boost domestic solar manufacturing.
  • One Sun One World One Grid – multilateral renewable grid integration.

Background & Context

India’s renewable build‑out has outpaced transmission planning. The Central Transmission Utility (CTU) allocates General Network Access (GNA) based on projected corridor capacity, while Grid India (the system operator) often permits only a fraction of that capacity to flow. This structural disconnect, coupled with operational conservatism (voltage oscillation concerns), leads to curtailments, especially for projects holding Temporary GNA (T‑GNA).

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Economic impact: Stranded renewable assets erode investor confidence and increase tariff burdens on consumers.
  • Climate goals: Grid bottlenecks threaten the Net‑Zero 2070 commitment and the 500 GW non‑fossil target for 2030.
  • Institutional accountability: Lack of performance reviews for CTU/Grid India hampers corrective action.
  • Supply‑chain risk: Dependence on imported critical minerals (lithium, cobalt) adds vulnerability.

Related Legal / Constitutional Provisions

  • Electricity Act, 2003 – provides the regulatory framework for GNA, T‑GNA, and the role of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
  • CERC regulations – define allocation, pricing, and dispute resolution mechanisms for inter‑state transmission.
  • National Electricity Policy (2005, revised 2022) – emphasizes grid reliability, efficiency, and renewable integration.

Recommended Measures

  1. Redefine Grid Operator Mandate – incorporate utilisation targets alongside reliability.
  2. Equitable Curtailment Policy – distribute curtailments proportionately across all generators.
  3. Dynamic Capacity Reallocation – real‑time re‑assignment of unused GNA.
  4. Automatic Accountability Reviews – trigger performance audits for under‑performing corridors.
  5. Advanced Grid Management – deploy dynamic security assessments, adaptive line ratings, and allow use of STATCOMs, SVCs, and harmonic filters.
  6. Scale Energy Storage – accelerate BESS and pumped hydro projects to meet the 411 GWh target.
  7. Strengthen Institutional Coordination – align CTU planning with Grid India operations.
  8. Promote Domestic Manufacturing – leverage ALMM, PLI, and the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform to reduce import dependence.

Institutional Platforms

  • Bharat Climate Forum (BCF): A high‑level platform for policy dialogue, supporting India’s climate ambitions and the “One Sun One World One Grid” vision.
  • Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform: Aims to create a USD 120‑150 billion annual cleantech market by 2030, enhancing supply‑chain security.

Conclusion

Resolving transmission congestion and operational conservatism is as critical as adding new renewable capacity. Without efficient power evacuation and adequate storage, India risks billions in stranded assets and may fall short of its Net‑Zero 2070 objectives.