India Produces Record Amounts of Green Energy — But Much of It Is Going to Waste
NEW DELHI, INDIA — September 23, 2026

India is producing renewable energy at an unprecedented pace, but a shortage of electricity transmission infrastructure means a significant amount of that clean power cannot reach consumers.

The country has rapidly expanded solar, wind and other renewable energy sources over the past decade. Renewable capacity now accounts for about 54% of India’s total installed power capacity, reaching around 300 gigawatts out of 552 gigawatts.

Yet the rapid expansion has created a new problem: India does not have enough transmission infrastructure to move all the electricity being generated.

Renewable Energy Briefly Surpasses Coal
In July, electricity generated from renewable sources briefly supp

lied more than half of India’s peak electricity demand.

It was only the second time such a milestone had been reached, highlighting how quickly renewable energy has expanded in one of the world’s fastest-growing electricity markets.

Coal, however, still produces around 70% of India’s electricity on average because coal-fired plants can operate for longer periods than solar and wind facilities.

India is now facing the challenge of making its electricity grid capable of handling the rapid growth of renewable generation.

Power Is Being Wasted
One of the biggest problems is transmission capacity.

According to energy think tank Ember, transmission constraints were responsible for nearly two-thirds of India’s renewable energy curtailment during the first quarter of 2026, amounting to around 300 gigawatt-hours of electricity.

In simple terms, some solar and wind farms are capable of producing electricity, but the power cannot always be delivered to where it is needed because transmission lines are unavailable or delayed.

The problem is particularly significant in states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, where large numbers of renewable energy projects are concentrated.

Transmission Projects Falling Behind
India’s renewable energy capacity has expanded much faster than its transmission network.

Renewable generation projects can be built within roughly 18 to 24 months, while transmission projects often take considerably longer because they require land acquisition, government approvals and coordination between multiple agencies.

About one in four interstate transmission projects is reportedly facing delays of more than a year.

Energy experts say the mismatch could become more serious as India continues adding renewable capacity.

Billions Needed for the Energy Transition
India has set an ambitious goal of reaching 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Meeting that target will require hundreds of billions of dollars in investment, not only in solar and wind farms but also in transmission networks and energy storage.

The country is expected to need around $400 billion to $500 billion to meet its renewable energy target, according to estimates cited by the BBC.

The challenge is therefore shifting from simply building more renewable power plants to ensuring that the electricity they produce can actually reach homes, businesses and factories.

India’s experience illustrates a broader problem facing countries undergoing rapid energy transitions: generating clean electricity is only one part of the process. Building the infrastructure needed to deliver it may be just as important.

Sources: BBC News; Ember.