As Rajasthan cements its position as India’s renewable energy powerhouse, a growing transmission bottleneck is threatening to slow the state’s clean energy ambitions. Nearly 60 gigawatt (GW) of solar and renewable energy projects in the desert state are currently awaiting transmission connectivity, exposing the widening gap between renewable capacity addition and evacuation infrastructure planning.
According to a recent filing by the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd (CTUIL) before the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), transmission systems have either been planned or are under implementation for around 73 GW of renewable projects in Rajasthan, while applications for grid connectivity have crossed 130 GW. The mismatch has left nearly 60 GW of proposed projects without a clear transmission pathway.
Rajasthan, which leads the country in solar energy generation, holds an estimated renewable energy potential of 179 GW. More than 85% of this capacity is concentrated in the districts of Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, regions that have emerged as India’s clean energy frontier due to abundant solar radiation and vast stretches of arid land.
However, experts say generation capacity alone cannot drive India’s energy transition unless supported by robust interstate transmission corridors capable of transporting electricity to demand centres across the country.
Industry stakeholders believe the challenge reflects the unprecedented pace at which renewable projects are being announced in Rajasthan. While developers continue to invest aggressively, transmission planning often involves complex approvals, land acquisition and multi-state coordination, resulting in delays.
“Transmission infrastructure is the backbone of India’s renewable energy transition. Solar and wind power generated in Rajasthan will remain stranded unless adequate transmission lines are built in parallel with project development,” said Ajay Mathur, an energy sector expert. “A strong national grid is essential not only for energy security but also for ensuring affordable clean power reaches industries and households across states.”
Another energy sector expert, Saddaf Alam, stressed that states must prioritise grid readiness alongside rapid renewable capacity expansion. “The real challenge is no longer generating power, but transmitting it efficiently to consumers. Transmission infrastructure requires years of planning, regulatory approvals and coordinated execution. If Rajasthan does not accelerate the development of new transmission corridors and substation upgrades, the state risks creating stranded renewable assets where power generation exists on paper but cannot reach demand centres,” he said.
Alam further noted that the issue carries national significance as India pursues its target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030. “Rajasthan is expected to contribute a substantial share to India’s renewable energy growth. In that context, strengthening grid infrastructure will be just as critical as developing new solar parks and wind energy projects,” he added.