India’s MNRE directs states to add PV plants near spare substation capacity

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
CEA has also been requested to prepare a list and maps of these intra-state transmission systems. Flickr: Tapas Ganesh

India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sent a letter to states regarding the spare capacities in existing substations to accommodate the rapid additions of solar capacity.

The letter stated that India now has more than 12GW of solar installed, with a target of 100GW by 2022.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) has given MNRE details about the spare capacities in existing and planned substations for West, North and South regions, found here.

From this information, MNRE has directed state governments to facilitate setting up solar projects near to the available transmission capacities.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has also been requested to prepare a list and maps of these intra-state transmission systems by consulting with each state.

MNRE said the hope is that this extra directed planning for state governments will help further reduce the cost of PV projects in the future.

Read Next

May 28, 2026
India added around 14.2GW of solar energy capacity in the first quarter of 2026, a roughly 95% increase from the previous quarter, according to Indian research firm JMK Research.
May 26, 2026
ACME Solar has signed a 25-year PPA with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for 300MW/1,200MWh of ISTS-connected FDRE project. 
Premium
May 22, 2026
As trade dynamics shift, could the EU become the next big market for Indian solar suppliers? PV Tech Premium explores the outlook with Wood Mackenzie’s Yana Hryshko and IEEFA’s Charith Konda.
May 21, 2026
Indian renewable energy company SAEL has commissioned 600MW of solar project in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. 
May 20, 2026
GameChange Solar has partnered with First Solar to support the deployment of domestically manufactured thin-film solar modules in India. 
May 20, 2026
The US$300 million North Star platform will target investments across solar, wind, hybrid and energy storage projects. 

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 2, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 3, 2026
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil