India Empowers Green Energy: RE Projects Can Now Store and Sell Wasted Power

In a significant move to boost India's green energy transition, the Union Power Ministry has just allowed renewable energy projects to store previously wasted electricity from grid congestion in on-site batteries and sell it independently. This directive, issued on August 27, 2026, permits renewable energy developers to utilize 'curtailed T-GNA power' to charge additional co-located Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and then sell that stored energy via power exchanges or direct agreements, eliminating the need for a No-Objection Certificate from existing power buyers. This groundbreaking policy directly addresses the persistent problem of valuable clean energy going unutilized due to India's burgeoning renewable capacity often outpacing its transmission infrastructure. This policy shift comes at a critical time, as India's renewable energy curtailment has been escalating. Reports from early 2026 showed approximately 300 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity lost in the first quarter due to transmission bottlenecks, with overall variable renewable energy (VRE) curtailment surging a staggering 558.5% in Q2 2026 compared to Q1. Developers, particularly those operating under Temporary General Network Access (T-GNA) in regions like the North, had reported losing up to 90% of their scheduled power due to grid constraints, pushing for this flexibility. The decision aligns with India's ambitious targets to achieve 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and its broader push for energy storage, supported by initiatives like Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and Energy Storage Obligation (ESO) for distribution companies. Looking ahead, this new clarity is expected to significantly improve the financial viability of renewable energy projects and accelerate the deployment of BESS across the country. Developers can now monetize energy that would otherwise be lost, making clean energy projects more attractive for investment and helping India meet its climate goals more efficiently. The industry will be closely watching for rapid uptake and how this policy interacts with existing energy storage incentives, potentially paving the way for a more stable and flexible national grid, reducing reliance on traditional thermal power sources during peak demand.