India Misses Out on Solar Power This Summer
India experienced a significant shortfall in solar power generation this summer, with a reported 8,133 million kilowatt-hours (or 8.13 TWh) curtailed between April and June 2026. According to data shared by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in Parliament, this waste represented 11% of the country’s overall solar energy output during those months.
The country faced extreme heatwaves, pushing peak power demand to about 270 gigawatts. However, the timing of solar energy production was not aligned with when it was most needed. Solar generation peaked during the middle of the day, while demand for cooling surged in the evening once the sun set. Coal plants struggled to quickly decrease their output during daylight hours, and local transmission lines were unable to handle excess power from solar-rich areas like Rajasthan and Gujarat. As a result, grid operators had to disconnect solar units to maintain grid stability.
Here’s a breakdown of the curtailed solar generation for each month:
- April: 2,417 GWh curtailed
- May: 3,235 GWh curtailed
- June: 2,481 GWh curtailed
Shripad Naik, the Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, explained that the curtailment was necessary for the safe operation of the energy grid. He pointed out that the issue stemmed from a mismatch between when transmission lines were completed and when renewable energy projects started operating.
As India continues to invest in renewable energy, addressing these timing and capacity challenges will be crucial for maximizing its solar potential.
