India Faces Renewable Energy Curtailment Without 10 GWh Battery Storage
India Faces Renewable Energy Curtailment Without 10 GWh Battery Storage
IN · Published Jun 21, 2026
India's renewable energy sector is facing significant challenges due to the inflexibility of coal-based power plants, according to a report by Ember.
Coal plants, which cannot operate below their minimum technical load (MTL) of 55% capacity, are forcing grid operators to curtail renewable energy generation during midday solar surges.

Why It's Important?

The lack of grid flexibility is impacting India's renewable energy sector, with solar and wind curtailment becoming a visible issue. This curtailment not only wastes clean energy but also limits the potential for further renewable energy expansion. In April 2026, renewable curtailment accounted for 37% of down-regulation, a sharp increase from near zero a year earlier. The report warns that without immediate deployment of battery storage, curtailment levels could exceed those seen in 2025, particularly during the post-monsoon period of October-November 2026. This could slow India's progress toward its renewable energy targets and increase reliance on coal, which is less sustainable and more polluting.

Related News