India to Strengthen Weather Prediction for a Reliable Grid

India is working towards a more accurate weather forecasting system that would help ensure reliable renewable power supply and electricity grid stability, according to Union minister for new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi.

- Rituraj Baruah

Addressing the 4th Mint Sustainability Summit on Wednesday, Joshi, also the minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, said that although weather forecasting has improved over the years, greater accuracy is required to ensure adequate renewable power generation in the energy mix, which includes solar, wind and hydro sources.

"I assure that the ministry will work on that also. We will see that a more accurate weather forecasting system is in place...based on which grid stability can be better ensured."

India has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest solar power generator globally after China and the US, and Joshi exuded confidence that the country is on track to achieve its ambitious 500 GW non-fossil power capacity target by 2030. It currently stands at 295.89 GW, including 8.78 GW of nuclear power capacity.

"We understand that the rapid increase in the solar and wind capacity also brings with it a challenge of inherent intermittency of renewable generation," Joshi said.