A senior adviser to India’s Power Ministry has suggested re-examining the current policy that grants renewable energy projects “must run” status, which ensures priority dispatch to the grid. The move reflects growing concerns over grid stability, balancing costs, and the need to integrate renewables more efficiently with conventional power sources.
India’s renewable energy sector may face a significant policy rethink. A Power Ministry adviser has highlighted the need to revisit the “must run” status granted to renewable energy projects, which mandates that solar and wind power must be absorbed by the grid regardless of demand fluctuations.
While the policy has supported India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, concerns are emerging about grid reliability, rising curtailment costs, and the challenges of balancing intermittent renewable supply with conventional generation. Experts argue that a more flexible framework could help optimize energy dispatch, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure fair treatment across power sources.
Key Highlights:
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Current policy grants “must run” status to renewable energy projects.
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Adviser suggests relooking at the framework to address grid stability concerns.
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Curtailment and balancing costs are rising with higher renewable penetration.
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India targets 50% of energy from renewables by 2030 and net zero by 2070.
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Policy review could lead to more flexible, demand-responsive dispatch mechanisms.
This development signals a possible shift in India’s renewable energy strategy, balancing sustainability goals with operational efficiency and grid resilience.
Sources: Economic Times EnergyWorld, Ministry of Power, MNRE Updates