According to reports, 1410 GW of solar output has been curtailed in India since 2019 to preserve grid stability in the face of transmission congestion and low demand. The National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI) has called for immediate action from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as a result of this. Although a preliminary estimate of 1,408 GW curtailed since the 2019 lockdown surfaced online, NSEFI CEO Subrahmanyam Pulipaka explained that it was erroneous due to a calculation error.

Real-world effects have resulted in significant losses, especially in Rajasthan, underscoring transmission infrastructure delays. This problem jeopardizes investor confidence and green energy objectives since India plans to construct 280 GW of solar power by 2030, compared to the existing installed 119.02 GW. This article highlights the necessity of policy reforms while examining the causes, effects, and suggested remedies.

What Is Solar Power Curtailment and Why Is It Happening in India?

The intentional lowering of solar farm output to avoid grid congestion, control low demand, or relieve transmission bottlenecks is known as solar power curtailment. When generated power surpasses the grid’s capacity to absorb it, instability or unprofitable negative pricing may result. This approach has become more prevalent in India as a result of solar expansion exceeding grid upgrades.

Transmission line congestion is one of the leading causes, particularly in solar-rich regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. According to Pulipaka, the reduction of 3–4 GW of solar power in Rajasthan since March 2025 has resulted in losses for the industry of up to Rs 250 crore. The issue is made worse by delays in commissioning vital infrastructure, such as the 765 kV Khetri-Narela and Bhadla II-Sikar II lines, which cause projects to be postponed by 18 to 20 months. While 22,500 MW has already been commissioned or approved, Rajasthan’s general network access (GNA) capacity is 14,000 MW, resulting in a 48% curtailment during peak hours under temporary GNA (T-GNA).

In contrast to specific reports, Pulipaka stressed that there will be no restriction in Tamil Nadu and that the impacts would only be sub-MW levels in Gujarat. The original 1,408 GW curtailed since the 2019 lockdown statistic, which was on the NSEFI website (which is currently being revamped), was faulty since it totaled plant capacity cumulatively without taking duration or partial curtailments (e.g., 100-300 MW for 15 minutes) into consideration. According to Pulipaka, the actual shutdown curtailment in 2020 was approximately 323 million units. Experts like Nivit Yadav of the Centre for Science and Environment emphasize that curtailment jeopardizes India’s 2030 renewable ambition of 500 GW in the absence of infrastructure improvements.

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How Has Curtailment Affected India’s Solar Sector and Economy?

The 1410 GW solar output curtailed in India since 2019 not only damages project feasibility but also wastes renewable energy. Investments are discouraged by lost revenue from unused capacity, with new projects being particularly heavily damaged. Developers in Rajasthan have cut off power due to a stretched T-GNA, resulting in inefficiencies and financial hardship. In a letter to MNRE dated July 24, 2025, NSEFI cautions that if green energy is reduced, fossil fuels may eventually replace it, endangering sustainable aims.

The loss of Rs 250 crore in Rajasthan since March highlights wider economic ramifications. Across international markets, average curtailment of wind and solar tends to stay low—typically 1.5% to 4% of total generation, but India’s inadequate infrastructure exacerbates it. According to government data, solar utilization fell to 19.5% in June 2025 from an anticipated 21-25%. This inefficiency hinders the shift away from coal, which still accounts for the majority of India’s energy mix, and increases costs for end users.

In terms of the environment, it goes against climate pledges because lost solar energy increases dependency on polluting sources. Yadav highlights the importance of establishing a climate policy for the cost-effective adoption of renewable energy, pointing out that without supportive policies, the resources spent on expansion are at risk.

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What Policy Interventions Are Being Proposed to Mitigate Curtailment?

The letter from NSEFI describes structural steps to deal with 1410 GW of solar output curtailed in India since 2019 and transmission delays. Meetings have resulted in provider pledges as MNRE reviews the matter. Infrastructure, compensation, and innovation are the main focuses of the suggested actions to maximize solar potential.

• Quicken Projects for Strategic Transmission: Reduce traffic by up to two years by implementing the Regulated Tariff Mechanism to expedite delayed lines, such as the 400 kV Narela-Maharani Bagh.
• Create Reimbursement Systems: To ensure financial stability, producers will be compensated through the Power Systems Development Fund for involuntary curtailment.
• Deploy Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Using viability gap funding (VGF), install battery energy storage systems (BESS) at crowded substations to store reduced electricity for a future market sale with presumed approvals.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Acknowledge the absence of GNA as a “Change in Law” that shields developers from unanticipated hold-ups.
• Improve Grid Modernization: Install smart grids and forecasting technologies, as well as other infrastructure, to manage variable renewables.

These initiatives support India’s clean energy transformation by reducing energy waste and restoring investor trust.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What leads to India’s solar curtailment?

It is caused by delayed transmission projects, low demand, and grid congestion, especially in solar hotspots like Rajasthan.

Q2. What is the installed solar capacity in India?

119.02 GW as of 2025, with a 2030 goal of 280 GW.

Q3. How may curtailment be lessened?

Implementing BESS, speeding up transmission lines, and compensating impacted developers.

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