India's top solar state has renewable projects of about 60 GW awaiting transmission links

NEW DELHI, - India's top solar energy-generating ​state of Rajasthan has ​clean energy projects of capacity amounting to about ​60 gigawatt (GW) awaiting transmission links as planners struggle to keep pace with a rapid build-out, a regulatory filing showed.

The problem underscores a critical challenge ‌for India ⁠in its ⁠effort to nearly double its non-fossil based power generation to 500 GW by 2030 as the systems carry electricity to other states from renewable-rich regions such as Rajasthan.

Planner the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL), told the national power regulator it had been ​unable to provide a transmission system for ⁠about 60 ‌GW of projects.


The western desert state ​has 179 ​GW of renewable energy potential, with more than ⁠85% of projects clustered in its four districts of ​Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, the April 10 ​filing showed.

Applications for grid connectivity totalling about 130 GW have been received in Rajasthan, while transmission systems for only about 73 GW have been planned or are being set up, it added.

"CTUIL is facing challenges and difficulties in identification of ‌corresponding transmission system for 60 GW applications," the planner said.

The issue was highlighted after electricity regulators ​told Saurya Urja ​Company of Rajasthan ⁠Ltd, which is developing a 400-megawatt solar park in Bikaner, it could withdraw its connectivity application and recover bank guarantees if ​needed.

The ruling by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) came in response to challenges in planning transmission the company faced.

The regulator also asked the transmission planner to advise project applicants about the transmission delays, allowing them to withdraw connectivity applications. (Reporting by Sethuraman NR; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)