Why in the News
India witnessed record electricity demand in April 2026, yet large amounts of solar power had to be curtailed due to grid stress, transmission bottlenecks, and surplus daytime generation.
What is Solar Curtailment?
- Solar curtailment refers to the reduction of electricity generation from solar plants by grid operators to maintain grid stability and prevent overload.
- Even though renewable energy has “must-run” status in India, it can still be reduced under emergency or technical conditions.
Record Curtailment
- April 2026 solar curtailment:
- 693.81 GWh
- January to March 2026 combined:
- 399.34 GWh
- This means April alone recorded around 74% higher curtailment than the previous three months combined.
Main Reasons Behind Curtailment
- Grid Stability Concerns: Rapid increase in solar generation during daytime created excess electricity supply. The grid struggled to absorb this sudden surge.
- Transmission Constraints: Major solar-producing States like Rajasthan and Gujarat Faced:
- Transformer overloading
- Transmission congestion
- Heavy underdrawal of electricity
- Demand-Supply Timing Mismatch
- Daytime: Electricity prices crashed to nearly ₹1.5/unit
- Night-time: Solar unavailable. Prices rose close to ₹10/unit ceiling
- This highlights the need for energy storage systems.
What is Emergency TRAS (Tertiary Reserves Ancillary Services)?
- It is a mechanism used by the power grid operator to maintain stability during emergency situations.
- Under Emergency TRAS:
- Renewable energy plants are instructed to reduce generation temporarily.
- They receive financial compensation for the lost generation.
| [2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct? [A] I and II only [B] I and III only [C] II and III only [D] I, II and III |
