India holds back 8,133 GWh of solar power in April-June quarter owing to transmission constraints
- New clean energy plants coming into operation ahead of schedule and delayed transmission projects force these power output curtailments
NEW DELHI: India held back 8,133 gigawatt hours (GWh) of solar power for the April-June period as the grid struggled to absorb renewable electricity owing to transmission bottlenecks and grid security requirements, the government said on Tuesday.
Solar power curtailment stood at 2,417 GWh in April, rose to 3,235 GWh in May and was 2,481 GWh in June, the minister for renewable energy, Yesso Naik, said in a written statement.
New clean energy plants coming into operation ahead of schedule and delayed transmission projects force these power output curtailments.
The government said curtailment and restrictions on solar generation were being carried out to maintain grid security and because of a mismatch between the commissioning of transmission lines and renewable energy projects.
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The disclosure highlights a growing challenge for India as it expands renewable energy capacity to meet its clean energy targets of 500 GW by 2030 from the present 288 GW.
Responding to a question on whether renewable energy curtailment had emerged as a challenge for the country’s clean energy transition, the government said curtailment is implemented to ensure reliable and secure operation of the grid.