Daily
250 words
8/10
Rating

20 August 2026

Transmission constraints for renewable energy

This topic addresses critical infrastructure bottlenecks in India's renewable energy sector, which is a core component of India's energy security and climate commitments, making it highly relevant for GS3 infrastructure and economy questions.

2 min read Day 5 of 6 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Renewable energy expansion in India is significantly hindered by insufficient transmission infrastructure, leading to grid congestion and curtailment.
  • Curtailment refers to the forced reduction or cessation of electricity production by generators due to oversupply and grid constraints.
  • Temporary General Network Access (T-GNA) is a short-term mechanism for renewable projects to access inter-State transmission systems; it is used by 37% of curtailed capacity.
  • Projects under T-GNA face 30% to 50% curtailment during daylight hours, increasing operational costs and impacting revenues.
  • Peak curtailment as of August 6 reached 8,617 MW in western India and 5,573 MW in northern India.
  • ICRA highlights that timely execution of intra-State and inter-State transmission infrastructure and increased storage capacity are essential for sustainability.
  • Other impediments to renewable growth include delays in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), land acquisition issues, and poor distribution company finances.
  • India had over 150 GW of renewable projects under construction as of June 30.
  • Renewable energy (including large hydro) is projected to account for over 35% of electricity generation by 2029-2030, up from 22% in 2024-2025.
  • New renewable energy project awards have declined, falling from 40.6 GW in 2024-25 to 14.7 GW in 2025-26.
  • As of April 2026, 40 GW to 45 GW of awarded capacity lacked signed PPAs.
  • The sector is shifting focus toward Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) and Round-the-Clock (RTC) power models.

Part of a longer story

This is day 5 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. Analyze the impact of transmission constraints on the viability of India's renewable energy sector. How does the reliance on Temporary General Network Access (T-GNA) affect project economics? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Discuss the structural challenges hindering India's transition to a renewable-heavy energy grid. Suggest policy interventions required to balance infrastructure development with the growing demand for firm and dispatchable power. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What does the term 'curtailment' refer to in the context of India's renewable energy sector?

  2. Which of the following best describes 'Temporary General Network Access' (T-GNA) in the Indian power sector?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-20/transmission-constraints-for-renewable-energy