Create more space to let solar power flow

Solar power is auctioned almost every fortnight and developers are actively securing capacity, so boosting transmission network is crucial to reap benefits

- VP SINGH, PRADEEP S MEHTA & AKASH SHARMA

INDIA NEEDS TO install nearly 50 gigawatt (Gw) of renewable energy (RE) annually to reach its goal of 500 Gw non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.Around 300 Gwis expected to come from solar power. However, based on recent installation trends, India will need to deploy close to 10 Gw more solar capacity annually than the average of the past few years to stay on course.

Singh is former Governor of Punjab. Mehta and Sharma work for CUTS International, a global public policy research and advocacy group

While solar power is auctioned almost every fortnight and developers are actively securing capacity, strengthening the power transmission network remains crucial to ensure that the generated power is effectively delivered and utilised. Captive solar too holds great promise, and unlocking its potential can make a meaningful contribution to achieving our RE targets.

Solar power plants in India are typically commissioned within 12-18 months, depending on their capacity and location. In contrast, dedicated transmission infrastructure can take three-four years to become operational. This mismatch creates a significant lag between project completion and injection of power into the grid. Even when connected, many plants face curtailment due to grid congestion, limiting full utilisation of installed capacity.

According to the International Energy Agency, nearly 3,000 Gw of RE capacity was awaiting grid connectivity as of 2024, with India among nations facing the biggest backlogs. This is despite the commendable work of the Power Grid Corporation of India, which has built a robust national transmission network across such a vast and diverse geography. Over 30% of India's total transmission capacity has been added in just the last decade.