Solar and wind to drive India’s power growth over next 10 years

• 6 months ago (2023-10-03)
• David Flin

Asia 848 Solar 244

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The energy think tank Ember has said that India needs to increase annual solar capacity additions by 36 per cent every year if it is to meet its 2027 target.

Solar and onshore wind combined could account for two-thirds of power generation growth by 2032 if India is to be on track to deliver its electricity plan.

As India’s solar adoption extends, there is also a growing need for a much higher level of storage capacity to be able to manage peak demand in the evenings and early mornings.

As India scales up investments to renewable energy, the government says that it plans to tender 50 GW of solar and wind capacity per year in the next five financial years. However, to achieve this, India needs to increase its current annual solar capacity addition by about 36 per cent each year up to 2026-27. This will require India to commission at least 17.5 GW in FY2024, increasing to 41 GW by 2027.

Neshwin Rodrigues, India Electricity Policy Analyst with Ember, said: “India’s electricity supply landscape is projected to change quite significantly in the next decade, with solar and wind likely to drive the growth in generation. Given their variable nature, a significant increase in storage capacity is crucial to balance power generation and demand.”