A delay of over 18 months in commissioning a transmission system strengthening program has created bottlenecks for evacuating 8.1 GW of power from a renewable energy zone (REZ) in solar-rich Rajasthan.

The Phase II (Parts E, G, and G1) transmission system strengthening project was scheduled to be completed in November 2023, but has remained uncommissioned, according to Grid-India’s ‘Operational Feedback on Transmission Constraints (April-June 2025)’ report.

Several transmission project components, which were to be commissioned by November 2023 and September 2024, are yet to be completed.

Due to the delay in commissioning of the planned transmission system, a “considerable quantum of renewable energy in Rajasthan REZ is getting bottlenecked,” Grid India said.

The issue about evacuating renewable energy from the Rajasthan REZs was brought to the attention of the Northern Regional Power Committee and other authorities, with a request to expedite the commissioning of the transmission system.

Additionally, approximately 2.7 GW of capacity has been commissioned under Phase III, but no transmission components have been commissioned yet. Under this phase, a transmission system is envisioned to evacuate 20 GW of renewable energy.

Grid India stated that it was crucial to expedite the commissioning of pending transmission elements to facilitate the evacuation of existing restricted renewable energy generation and upcoming capacity from Rajasthan REZs. This would ensure the reliability and security of the grid with significant renewable energy penetration.

Transmission infrastructure shortages have persisted in Rajasthan, one of the top states for solar and wind installations. While the state has seen significant additions to its renewable energy capacity, transmission constraints have led to the curtailment of solar and wind energy in recent months.

Additionally, low power demand in northern India due to an extended monsoon has led to underutilization of power, resulting in as high as 48% curtailment of solar energy during peak hours.

At the Mercom India Renewables Summit 2025, industry leaders highlighted transmission constraints as one of the biggest impediments to faster renewable energy project commissioning.

Right-of-way issues, landholder opposition, compensation disputes, litigation, and delays in obtaining forest, wildlife, and tree-cutting approvals have contributed to delays in the commissioning of transmission projects across India.