Rajasthan Crosses 50% Renewable Power Capacity, Faces Grid Management Challenge
State adds 15,400 MW of solar, wind and biomass capacity, surpassing fossil fuels
Rajasthan now has more than half of its power capacity from renewable energy, with solar, wind and biomass plants overtaking fossil fuel-based projects in the state’s energy mix.
According to Ajitabh Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), the state has installed 15,400 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity, compared with 12,000 MW of fossil fuel-based capacity. While renewable projects typically deliver around 20 per cent of their plant capacity, their contribution to consumption stands at 18 per cent.
“Rajasthan has successfully transitioned from a focus on generation to managing renewables,” said Sharma. “Solar is infirm power, available mainly during the day, and the challenge now lies in ensuring grid stability.”
Focus On Grid Stability
Sharma underlined that the lack of evacuation infrastructure is only part of the problem. The bigger issue is stabilising the grid, which requires balancing load fluctuations caused by renewable intermittency. This challenge has grown as the state scaled up its solar and wind generation at a rapid pace.
Rajasthan’s achievement highlights India’s broader renewable ambitions, but experts note that addressing grid integration, storage, and balancing mechanisms will be critical for sustaining the growth of clean energy.
