{"id":96683,"date":"2026-04-05T10:38:40","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T05:08:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=96683"},"modified":"2026-04-05T12:44:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T07:14:20","slug":"coal-push-solar-curtailment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/coal-push-solar-curtailment\/","title":{"rendered":"Coal Push Solar Curtailment: How Coal Push Solar Curtailment Impacts India\u2019s Power Sector"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>\u00a0Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As India prepares for a hotter-than-nor<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<h2 style=\"font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol'; font-style: normal;\"><b>Coal Push Solar Curtailment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mal summer with more heatwave days, concerns have emerged over the government\u2019s plan to rely more on coal-based power amid gas shortages caused by the West Asia conflict.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This raises issues like solar curtailment and grid management.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Power Demand and Preparedness<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government has stated that India\u2019s power system is adequately prepared to meet peak summer demand.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, gas supply disruptions have created challenges, especially during periods of high electricity consumption.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Role of Gas-Based Power<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although gas-based power contributes a small share to India\u2019s energy mix, it plays a critical balancing role, especially:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During non-solar hours (evenings and nights)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When demand is high in summer\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around 10 GW of gas-based capacity is typically used during peak demand periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Shift Towards Coal and Alternatives<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To compensate for reduced gas availability, the government plans to rely on:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coal-based power generation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renewable energy sources\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy storage systems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This shift ensures immediate supply but comes with long-term trade-offs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas-based power plants are more flexible and responsive:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can ramp up or down quickly\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Help balance fluctuations in renewable energy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure grid stability during evening peaks, when solar power is unavailable\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thus, reduced gas usage affects efficient integration of renewables.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Concern: Solar Curtailment<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A key concern is the curtailment of solar energy (i.e., reducing or stopping solar power generation despite availability).<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coal plants are inflexible: They cannot quickly adjust output.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This leads to situations where solar power is reduced to accommodate coal-based generation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This undermines renewable energy utilisation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Greater Reliance on Coal-Based Power<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s electricity generation is heavily dependent on <\/span><b>coal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, contributing over 70%, while <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gas-based power accounts for only 1\u20132%.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite being costlier than coal and renewables, gas-based plants are crucial during peak demand periods, especially in summer evenings, due to their flexibility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>West Asia conflict<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has disrupted gas supplies, forcing the government to <\/span><b>prioritise limited gas availability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for essential sectors.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has reduced the availability of gas for power generation, increasing dependence on coal-based plants.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Government Measures to Bridge the Gap<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To meet rising summer demand, the government has initiated several steps:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Directed Tata Power\u2019s 4 GW imported coal plant in Gujarat to resume full operations from April 1 after being idle for six months.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asked thermal power plants to defer maintenance to maximise electricity generation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensured that all generating companies maintain full capacity utilisation, except during unavoidable outages.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These steps are expected to make around 10,000 MW of additional capacity available between April and June 2026.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government is also <\/span><b>closely tracking thermal and hydro projects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> scheduled for commissioning by June 2026 to ensure timely addition of capacity during peak demand.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Role of Hydro and Renewable Energy<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydropower is being carefully scheduled to conserve water for peak demand periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Renewable energy expansion is being accelerated, with faster clearances for:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wind power projects\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is prioritising energy security through coal-based generation amid gas shortages, while simultaneously pushing renewables and storage solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The challenge lies in balancing short-term demand with long-term clean energy goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Renewable Energy Curtailment: Emerging Concern<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A higher dependence on coal-based power plants may lead to increased renewable energy (RE) curtailment, especially solar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is mainly due to the operational inflexibility of coal plants, which cannot easily reduce output when renewable generation rises.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>What is Curtailment and Why It Happens<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curtailment refers to the reduction or shutdown of renewable power generation despite availability.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It occurs to maintain grid stability and safety, particularly when:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Power supply exceeds demand\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The grid faces frequency issues or congestion\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between May and November last year, India curtailed about 23 GW of renewable energy, highlighting the scale of the issue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A major reason behind curtailment is the <\/span><b>Minimum Technical Load (MTL)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of coal plants.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MTL is the lowest level at which a thermal plant can operate safely (currently around 55% capacity).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coal plants often cannot reduce output below this level, even when solar generation is high during the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experts suggest lowering MTL (possibly to 40%) to better accommodate renewable energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Changing Power Generation Pattern<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earlier:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solar met daytime demand.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas-based plants handled evening peaks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater reliance on coal means coal plants remain operational even during daytime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This forces cheaper solar power to be curtailed, despite availability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Grid Constraints and Regional Challenges<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curtailment is also driven by:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transmission congestion, especially in high-renewable states like Rajasthan and Gujarat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low power demand in certain states (underdrawal)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited ability to transfer surplus renewable power across regions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These constraints make it difficult to fully utilise renewable energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Operational and Economic Factors<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coal plants are preferred for reliability, especially for evening peak demand.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing flexibility in coal plants requires technical adjustments and higher costs, though compensation mechanisms exist.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For utilities, it is often easier to keep coal plants running at minimum load and curtail renewables rather than frequently ramping generation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Structural Challenge: Lack of System Flexibility<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curtailment is not just about renewable availability but about system-wide flexibility, including:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Energy storage (BESS)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexible demand management\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balancing resources\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without these, integrating large-scale renewables becomes difficult.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Source:<\/b> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/india-summer-power-demand-coal-renewable-curtailment-10614205\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">IE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coal push, solar curtailment explained: How coal reliance amid gas shortages impacts solar power, grid stability, and India\u2019s clean energy transition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":96729,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[6631,60,22,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-96683","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-coal-push-solar-curtailment","9":"tag-mains-articles","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96683","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96683"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96683\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":96733,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96683\/revisions\/96733"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96683"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96683"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96683"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}