India Advances Renewable Energy Capacity

Renewable Energy Developments in India

1. Target and Achievements:

   • India aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 31.2 GW by October 2025 in the fiscal year 2025-26.
   • The country has already achieved 50% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, surpassing the Paris Agreement national targets by five years.
   • The anticipated total installed capacity from non-fossil sources by October 31, 2025, is approximately 259 GW.

2. Renewable Energy Implementation Agencies (REIAs):

   • Since April 2023, 67.5 GW of Letters of Award (LoA) have been issued with zero cancellations by REIAs, including:
     • Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI)
     • NTPC Limited
     • NHPC Limited
     • SJVN Limited
   • States are also actively issuing renewable energy purchase tenders.

3. Government Initiatives:

   • The Indian government is enhancing renewable energy capacity through various mechanisms:
     • Commercial and industrial sectors are increasing their renewable energy capacity via green energy open access/captive routes.
     • Focus on solar-plus-storage configurations is prioritized due to their capability to supply power during peak demand times.

4. Technological Advancements:

   • A noticeable trend towards the integration of storage solutions with renewable energy projects has emerged, indicating a shift from conventional solar to hybrid configurations.
   • The declining costs of transportable renewable energy and storage technologies are influencing procurement trends between distribution companies and end users.

5. Government Policies and Measures:

   • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is informing states about compliance with the Energy Conservation Act related to Renewable Consumption Obligations (RCO).
   • Workshops are being organized with major renewable energy procuring states to expedite the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

6. Grid & Transmission Enhancements:

   • The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is preparing transmission plans based on renewable energy capacity announced by MNRE.
   • A phased implementation of transmission systems is planned to align with increasing production capacities.
   • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are projected at 47.2 GW by 2032, aimed at optimizing transmission systems and reducing network congestion.

7. Regulatory Framework:

   • The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has introduced regulations to ensure connectivity for solar and non-solar energy hours, vital for the efficient use of the transmission system.
   • The CERC (Inter-State Transmission System Connectivity and General Network Access) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025 are expected to facilitate the integration of additional renewable energy into the grid without necessitating extra transmission infrastructure.

Conclusion

• The Indian government is making significant strides towards meeting its renewable energy goals, with robust policies, government initiatives, and technological advancements driving the sector forward. The emphasis on enhancing storage, grid integration, and regulatory support is set to optimize the renewable energy landscape in the coming years.