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Grid Strain Halts 5GW Solar Power in Rajasthan
6 Dec
Summary
- Top solar producers curtailed 5GW in Rajasthan during November.
- Grid congestion cited as reason for production cuts.
- Transmission capacity lags behind rapid solar growth.
Top solar power producers in Rajasthan have been forced to dial down production, curtailing a combined 5GW in the second half of November alone. This action was prompted by grid congestion, leading the regional regulator, the Northern Region Load Despatch Centre (NRLDC), to restrict power evacuation due to security concerns. Major players like Adani Group, NTPC Green, and others are affected, facing potential financial losses.
The root cause is the rapid expansion of solar power generation in India, which has outpaced the development of crucial transmission infrastructure. This imbalance means the grid cannot absorb and transmit the electricity produced, especially during peak solar hours. Experts note that transmission capacity additions are significantly delayed, with high-voltage corridors facing 15-24 month setbacks, indicating this issue will persist.
These curtailments have severe financial implications for solar developers, as lost generation directly translates to lost revenue, with some reporting losses upwards of ₹20 crore. While renewable energy plants are typically 'must-run,' grid regulators can mandate curtailment for technical reasons. Efforts are underway to expand grid capacity, including new transmission lines, but issues like land acquisition and 'right of way' continue to pose challenges, potentially slowing India's ambitious renewable energy goals.
