India has set a national target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2030. While installed RE capacity has increased from 35 GW to 242 GW over the past decade, however meeting future country’s electricity demand will require not only large-scale RE deployment but also a robust transmission network to evacute this RE power. Electricity consumption is expected to rise from 1,749 BU in FY 2023–24 to 2,279 BU by FY 2029–30. Without timely upgrades, increased power flows and higher RE penetration could place stress on existing transmission corridors. It is therefore necessary to first assess the hosting capacity of the current transmission network infrastructure and identify zones where RE can be integrated with minimal development challenges.
To address this need, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), proposes a transmission network assessment for Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on infrastructure at 132 kV and above. Rajasthan offers high-potential for solar and wind resources, while Uttar Pradesh represents one of the largest demand centres in the country. The study will use GIS-based mapping to visualise substation locations and grid corridors, conduct load flow simulations to evaluate network availability, and rank solar and wind parcels using TNC’s SiteRight tool based on their grid integration feasibility. The outcome will include transmission constraints, required strengthening measures, investment needs, and state-wise prioritisation of RE parcels based on grid readiness.
