India's Renewable Energy Transition

Still running. 6 entries so far, over 39 days from 29 July 2026.

01
29 July

Solar power curtailment in India

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.

02
2 August

Renewable energy and coal power generation

In July, India's coal-based power generation share declined to 65.7% from 69% in June.
Renewable energy generation reached a record high of 36.25 billion kWh in July, marking a 30% year-on-year increase.
Renewable energy now accounts for 20% of India's total power-generation mix.
Solar and wind power capacity crossed the 100 gigawatt threshold.
On July 13, renewable sources contributed a record 42.8% to India's daily electricity supply.
Increased solar output is effectively meeting peak power demand during daylight hours.

03
3 August

Renewable energy growth and coal share reduction

In July, India's coal-based power generation share declined to 65.7% from 69% in June.
Renewable energy generation reached a record high of 36.25 billion kWh in July, a 30% increase year-on-year.
Renewable power now accounts for 20% of India's total power-generation mix.
Solar and wind power capacity exceeded 100 gigawatts for the first time.
On July 13, solar and wind energy contributed a record 42.8% to India's total electricity supply.
Increased solar output is effectively meeting peak power demand during daytime hours.

04
15 August

Coal demand projections and exchange

India's annual coal demand is projected to reach 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030.
Domestic coal production has exceeded one billion metric tonnes in each of the last two fiscal years.
The energy sector is transitioning from a scenario of coal scarcity to one of potential surplus.
The government plans to establish a 'coal exchange' to serve as an independent marketplace for coal trading.
The proposed coal exchange aims to move away from the current model dominated by state-run entities toward market-driven price discovery.
The exchange will function as a central counter-party for clearing and settlement, providing transparent access for commercial and captive miners.
Operationalization of the coal exchange is expected in the coming months.

05
20 August

Transmission constraints for renewable energy

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.

06
5 September

Thermal power coal stock management

Thermal power sector faces a dilemma where generators maintaining adequate coal stocks are disadvantaged when supplies are diverted to plants with low stocks.
Current CEA coal stocking norms have been in effect since December 6, 2021, to strengthen fuel security.
Revised SHAKTI policy (May 2025) streamlines coal-linkage into two windows: Window I for central/state utilities at notified prices, and Window II for other producers via auctions.
Coal supply chain involves complex logistics: production, loading, railway availability, transit, unloading, and stockyard management.
Coal production in India exceeded 1 billion tonnes in FY2024-25 (1,047.52 MT) and FY2025-26 (1,040.08 MT).
Cumulative coal production through July of the current financial year is 302.04 MT, with dispatches up 6% year-on-year to 354.7 MT.
Total coal stock (plant + pithead + transit) is approximately 148 MT, suggesting the challenge is logistical and allocative rather than a national shortage.
Industry experts suggest coal inventory should be treated as a system reliability service, with incentives for maintaining normative stocks and consequences for mismanagement.

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 39 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

Critically analyze the challenges in coal supply chain management for the thermal power sector in India. How can the government balance emergency redistribution with the need to incentivize efficient inventory management? 150 words · 5 September
Despite record-breaking coal production, India’s thermal power plants frequently face fuel security concerns. Discuss the role of the SHAKTI policy and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) norms in ensuring grid stability and efficient fuel allocation. 250 words · 5 September
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 · 20 August
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 · 20 August
Discuss the significance of establishing a coal exchange in India in the context of transitioning from a state-monopoly model to a market-driven energy economy. 150 words · 15 August
As India moves toward a projected coal demand of 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, analyze the role of market-based mechanisms in ensuring efficient price discovery and energy security for the industrial sector. 250 words · 15 August
Analyze the significance of the recent surge in renewable energy generation in India's power mix and its role in addressing peak power demand. 150 words · 3 August
Discuss the challenges and opportunities for India in transitioning from a coal-dominant power sector to a renewable-heavy energy landscape, keeping in view the country's climate commitments and energy security requirements. 250 words · 3 August
Analyze the significance of the recent surge in renewable energy generation in meeting India's peak power demand and its impact on the country's energy transition strategy. 150 words · 2 August
The transition from a coal-dominant power sector to a diversified energy mix is critical for India's climate commitments. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the national grid. 250 words · 2 August
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 · 29 July
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 · 29 July

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