India curtailed 8,133 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of solar power during the April–June quarter of 2026 as the electricity grid was unable to absorb surplus renewable energy generated during peak daytime hours, the Central government informed Parliament on Tuesday.
The data was shared by Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. The minister said the curtailment was undertaken primarily to maintain the stability and security of the national power grid and to address operational challenges arising from the rapid expansion of renewable energy generation.
According to the minister, the information was provided by the Grid Controller of India Ltd (GRID-INDIA), which is responsible for overseeing the reliable operation of the country's electricity grid. He explained that solar power generation is occasionally curtailed or restricted when the available electricity exceeds the grid's ability to transmit or consume it safely.
Naik said one of the major reasons for the curtailment is the mismatch between the commissioning of renewable energy projects and the completion of the associated transmission infrastructure. While new solar power plants are being added at a rapid pace, transmission lines and evacuation systems in some regions have not expanded at the same rate, resulting in temporary bottlenecks.
"As per information received from Grid Controller of India Ltd, solar power curtailment and restrictions are being carried out to maintain grid security and due to the mismatch between the commissioning of transmission lines and renewable energy projects," the minister stated.
The quarterly figures show that 2,417 GWh of solar power was curtailed in April, followed by 3,235 GWh in May, the highest monthly curtailment during the quarter. In June, the curtailed solar generation stood at 2,481 GWh. Together, these three months accounted for a total of 8,133 GWh of unutilized solar electricity.
Solar power curtailment occurs when electricity generated by solar plants cannot be dispatched to the grid despite being available. This usually happens during periods of high solar generation, particularly around midday, when electricity demand may be lower than supply or when transmission networks are operating at capacity. In such situations, grid operators instruct renewable energy generators to temporarily reduce output in order to maintain the balance between electricity supply and demand and prevent instability in the power system.
India has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity over the past decade as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of clean energy in the country's electricity mix. Solar power has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity, supported by large-scale solar parks, rooftop installations, and government incentive programmes.
However, the rapid pace of capacity addition has also highlighted the importance of strengthening transmission infrastructure, improving grid flexibility, and deploying energy storage solutions to ensure that renewable electricity can be fully utilized. Experts have consistently pointed out that investments in transmission corridors, battery storage systems, pumped hydro projects, and smart grid technologies will be critical to minimising renewable energy curtailment in the future.
Also read: EV policy goes beyond purchase incentives: Centre
The government has been working on expanding the national transmission network through initiatives such as the Green Energy Corridor project, which aims to facilitate the evacuation of renewable power from generation-rich states to demand centres across the country. These efforts are intended to reduce congestion and improve the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
Despite the reported curtailment, the government has reiterated its commitment to accelerating the country's clean energy transition. India continues to pursue ambitious renewable energy targets while investing in transmission infrastructure and grid modernization to accommodate increasing volumes of solar and wind power.
The latest figures underscore both the rapid growth of India's solar sector and the operational challenges that accompany large-scale renewable energy integration. As renewable capacity continues to expand, ensuring timely development of transmission networks and energy storage infrastructure will remain essential for maximizing the utilization of clean energy and supporting the country's long-term energy security and climate goals.
Follow us
