The Problem
On 12 September 2025, Indian energy officials acknowledged that transmission infrastructure delays in the state of Rajasthan are causing as much as 25% of renewable power generated during peak midday hours to go unused. Rajasthan, home to some of India’s largest solar and wind farms, produces vast amounts of energy that cannot be dispatched because transmission lines and substations are not yet fully operational.
Causes and Consequences
The delays stem from bureaucratic hurdles, contractor disputes, and land acquisition challenges that have slowed key transmission projects. As a result, renewable developers are forced to curtail output during peak solar hours, undermining revenue streams and discouraging further investment. For consumers, the mismatch translates into higher costs and continued reliance on fossil fuels to meet demand. Analysts warn that without rapid upgrades, India risks missing its ambitious clean energy targets, which include achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
Strategic Implications
The curtailment crisis highlights a critical bottleneck in the global energy transition: generation capacity is expanding faster than the grids needed to move electricity. For Rajasthan, improving transmission capacity would unlock not only cheaper renewable power but also economic development, as surplus electricity could be exported to other states. The government has promised to accelerate approvals and financing, but the situation underscores that the success of India’s clean energy revolution depends as much on infrastructure and governance as on new solar panels and wind turbines.