Ratul Puri on Renewable Energy Curtailment: Why Effective Power Delivery Matters More Than Capacity Expansion

Introduction

India's renewable energy journey has reached an important milestone, but according to Ratul Puri, the next phase of growth will depend not only on capacity additions but also on the ability to effectively deliver power to consumers. As Ratul Puri highlights, the country added significant renewable energy capacity during 2025-26, yet a considerable amount of clean energy was curtailed due to transmission constraints and grid stability concerns.

Ratul Puri, Chairman Hindustan Power

India's Renewable Energy Growth Story

For Ratul Puri, the recent growth in renewable energy capacity demonstrates India's commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future. The country witnessed record additions in solar and wind power, strengthening its position as one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets.

However, Ratul Puri points out that installed capacity alone cannot determine success. Renewable energy projects must be supported by adequate infrastructure to ensure that the electricity generated can be efficiently transmitted and utilized.

The Challenge of Renewable Energy Curtailment

According to Ratul Puri, one of the most pressing concerns facing the sector today is renewable energy curtailment. Despite the expansion of clean energy capacity, significant volumes of renewable power are not reaching consumers because of transmission constraints and system balancing requirements.

Ratul Puri emphasizes that curtailment is not merely a generation issue. It reflects broader challenges related to grid infrastructure, storage availability, and the ability of the power system to absorb increasing levels of renewable energy.

Why Power Delivery Matters More Than Capacity Addition

A key message from Ratul Puri is that installed capacity and delivered power are fundamentally different. While India has made remarkable progress in building renewable energy assets, the true measure of success lies in how much power is actually delivered to the grid and consumed.

As Ratul Puri explains, growing electricity demand across households, industries, commercial establishments, and agriculture requires a system capable of efficiently evacuating and dispatching renewable power across the country.

Transmission Bottlenecks and Grid Constraints

One of the major obstacles identified by Ratul Puri is the inability of transmission infrastructure to keep pace with renewable energy growth. In states with high renewable penetration, such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, the grid often struggles to absorb all available clean energy.

According to Ratul Puri, addressing transmission bottlenecks is essential to ensure that renewable energy investments generate maximum value for the economy and support India's long-term sustainability goals.

The Critical Role of Energy Storage

To overcome these challenges, Ratul Puri advocates the adoption of flexible energy storage solutions. Technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), and other storage mechanisms can help manage variability and improve grid reliability.

Ratul Puri believes that energy storage will be indispensable in enabling round-the-clock renewable energy supply while reducing curtailment and enhancing overall system efficiency.

Strengthening Grid Stability

As renewable energy penetration increases, maintaining grid stability becomes increasingly important. Ratul Puri stresses the need for stronger grid management practices, greater operational flexibility, and compliance with technical standards.

Through investments in storage technologies and hybrid renewable projects, Ratul Puri sees an opportunity to build a more resilient and reliable power system capable of supporting India's ambitious clean energy targets.

The Way Forward for India's Energy Transition

Looking ahead, Ratul Puri believes that India's next benchmark should focus on utilization rather than installation alone. The emphasis must shift from simply adding renewable capacity to ensuring that clean energy is effectively integrated, transmitted, and consumed.

For Ratul Puri, the future of India's renewable energy sector will depend on grid modernization, storage deployment, and transmission readiness. These factors will determine whether the country can fully capitalize on its renewable energy investments.

MR, Ratul Puri

Conclusion

The central message from Ratul Puri is clear: capacity expansion must be matched by effective power delivery. While India has achieved significant success in renewable energy deployment, addressing curtailment, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and expanding storage capacity are essential for long-term progress.

As Ratul Puri emphasizes, the success of India's energy transition will ultimately be measured not by how much renewable capacity is installed, but by how efficiently that clean energy reaches consumers and powers the nation's growth.