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29 July 2026

Solar power curtailment in India

The topic covers a significant national policy issue regarding renewable energy infrastructure challenges and provides specific data on the PM Surya Ghar flagship scheme, which are directly relevant to GS3 energy security and GS2 welfare governance.

1 min read Day 1 of 6 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • India curtailed 8,133 GWh of solar power during the April–June quarter to maintain grid security.
  • Curtailment is defined as the limitation of power output from generating sources by grid operators to ensure grid stability.
  • Reasons for curtailment include grid security requirements and a mismatch between the commissioning of transmission infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
  • Monthly breakdown of solar curtailment: April (2,417 GWh), May (3,235 GWh), and June (2,481 GWh).
  • As of June 30, India's total installed solar capacity reached 162.15 GW (125.6 GW utility-scale, 30.11 GW rooftop, 6.43 GW off-grid).
  • PM Surya Ghar scheme (implemented Feb 2024) has received over 75 lakh applications as of July 22.
  • Under PM Surya Ghar, over 39.7 lakh rooftop solar systems (14,180.90 MW) have been installed.
  • Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of ₹27,343.9 crore released under PM Surya Ghar as of June 27.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 6 in India's Renewable Energy Transition, which has been running since 29 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. What is meant by power curtailment in the context of renewable energy, and what are the primary structural challenges contributing to this phenomenon in India? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The rapid expansion of solar energy capacity in India necessitates a robust transmission infrastructure. Discuss the implications of grid curtailment for India's renewable energy targets and suggest measures to improve grid integration and stability. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What is the primary reason for the curtailment of solar power by grid operators in India?

  2. As of June 30, which category constitutes the largest share of India's total installed solar capacity?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-29/solar-power-curtailment-in-india