Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:India is witnessing a remarkable upswing in renewable energy projects, especially in regions like Rajasthan, where wind and solar installations dot the landscape and showcase the country’s clean energy ambitions. The government aims to ramp up renewable capacity to 500 gw by 2030, a goal within reach thanks to rapid project development.
However, the electrical grid has not expanded at the same pace, leaving nearly 50 gw of fresh green power stranded, unable to reach homes and industries due to transmission bottlenecks. These delays stem from several challenges: tangled approval procedures across various agencies, slow land acquisition processes, and resistance from local landowners halt the timely construction of transmission lines.
Moreover, many renewable projects are ready to generate power but can’t fully operate because transmission networks aren’t in place or lack adequate capacity. This mismatch between fast-tracking renewables and sluggish grid infrastructure has led to financial stress for developers and cost overruns.
States rich in renewable resources, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, feel these strains most acutely. Project curtailments, where energy is generated but not dispatched, are becoming common. Discussions are underway to overhaul the planning process: introducing streamlined project clearances, coordinated grid modernisation, and large-scale investments in high-capacity corridors.
With renewed focus from authorities and stepped-up policy reform, there’s hope that stranded green electricity will soon find its way onto the national grid, powering India’s clean energy future.