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India Curtails Solar Power to Protect Grid Stability

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has confirmed that it is curbing solar power output during periods of low demand to maintain grid stability and ease congestion in transmission lines. The move comes as renewable capacity, particularly solar, continues to grow rapidly across the country.

According to the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), curtailments have become especially severe in Rajasthan, India’s top renewable energy-producing state. In a July 24 letter to the ministry, NSEFI highlighted that solar producers in the state faced frequent and prolonged curtailments, sometimes amounting to nearly 48% of output during peak sunlight hours.

The ministry explained that congestion in transmission lines has been caused both by new solar projects coming online ahead of schedule and delays in transmission infrastructure. This has forced grid operators to reduce solar output to avoid instability.

The curtailments have had a major financial impact on solar developers, with NSEFI estimating losses of over Rs26 million since April. The lack of adequate power evacuation infrastructure and delayed supply contracts add further strain on investors and project developers.

This challenge highlights the need for faster transmission expansion and better grid management to support India’s renewable growth targets.