in Short : India added 26.8 GW of power this fiscal year, with 20.1 GW from renewables, but grid expansion lags significantly. Only 1,998 ckm of transmission lines were added against a 15,382 ckm target, stranding an estimated 50 GW of renewable capacity. Underutilized corridors and intermittent generation highlight the need for robust infrastructure. Accelerated grid development is critical to fully realize India’s clean energy potential.
In Detail : India added 26.8 GW of new power capacity this fiscal year, nearly tripling last year’s additions. Of this, 20.1 GW came from renewable sources such as solar and wind. Despite this growth, the expansion of transmission infrastructure has lagged significantly, creating challenges for effectively integrating new generation into the grid.
By August, only 1,998 circuit kilometers of new transmission lines were commissioned, far below the annual target of 15,382 ckm. This shortfall has led to a bottleneck in electricity evacuation, limiting the ability to transmit power from renewable-rich regions to demand centers. Developers face delays and operational inefficiencies due to this gap.
An estimated 50 GW of renewable energy capacity is currently stranded because of inadequate transmission infrastructure. These constraints increase project costs, reduce financial viability, and cause frustration among developers who are unable to fully deploy their projects. Compensation claims have been filed with regulatory authorities in response to these delays.
Underutilization of existing infrastructure further compounds the problem. Analysis of Inter-State Transmission System corridors shows that up to 71% operate below 30% capacity. This indicates inefficiencies in the current network, as infrastructure investment has not kept pace with generation growth, leaving large segments of the grid underused.
The intermittent nature of solar and wind energy increases the pressure on transmission networks. Unlike conventional coal-based power, renewables require robust and flexible infrastructure to balance fluctuating generation with varying demand. Without this, grid stability is at risk, and renewable integration remains constrained.
The Central Electricity Authority has set ambitious targets for expanding transmission capacity, but the pace of execution is insufficient. Infrastructure development must accelerate to match the rapid growth of renewable generation and prevent stranded capacity from becoming a long-term barrier.
Industry experts stress the urgency of addressing transmission gaps. Without significant investment in lines, substations, and grid modernization, the potential of India’s renewable energy capacity cannot be fully realized. Strategic planning and timely implementation are essential for maximizing renewable integration.
The government is exploring policy measures to accelerate grid expansion, including incentives for private sector participation and faster regulatory approvals. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between generation and transmission, though their effectiveness will depend on consistent execution and coordination among stakeholders.
In conclusion, while India is achieving record growth in renewable energy capacity, delays in transmission infrastructure pose a serious challenge. Addressing these bottlenecks is critical to meeting national renewable targets, ensuring energy security, and supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system.
