Renewable Power Curtailment Hits 23 GW as Coal Plants Struggle to Adjust

Renewable Power Curtailment Hits 23 GW as Coal Plants Struggle to Adjust

February 28, 2026

India’s rapid increase in wind and solar generation has led to significant renewable power curtailment, reaching a peak of 23 gigawatts (GW) between May and November 2025 due to limited flexibility in coal-fired power plants and grid operational challenges. Data presented to a committee of the Central Electricity Authority showed that the rising “duck curve” — surplus midday renewable output followed by steep evening demand ramps — is stressing the system and forcing grid operators to cut renewable generation to maintain stability.

Operational records indicate several key curtailment events last year, including more than 16 GW on November 9 and over 13 GW on September 28, as existing thermal plants could not ramp down below technical minimum loads of about 55 % without risking grid stability. High midday solar output has also caused system frequency to stay above the acceptable band defined in the Indian Electricity Grid Code for extended periods, prompting emergency “down dispatch” measures and thermal backing down to manage balance.

Experts and stakeholders are assessing a mix of operational, market-based and structural reforms to reduce unnecessary curtailment and better integrate renewable energy. Proposed steps include enabling coal plants to operate at lower minimum loads, enhancing grid flexibility through battery energy storage systems, expanding pumped hydro storage and implementing two-shift thermal operations to better align supply with variable renewable generation. The authority’s roadmap aims for coal units to reach a 40 % minimum technical load by 2030 to help accommodate higher shares of clean power.

The curtailment issue highlights broader grid integration challenges as India accelerates toward its target of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity and 50 % non-fossil installed power by 2030, reflecting the need for upgraded infrastructure, enhanced flexibility measures and coordinated transmission planning to support the country’s renewable expansion goals.