New Delhi: Spain and Portugal’s recent massive power blackout may have shocked Europe, but for India, it’s a familiar reminder. In July 2012, over 400 million Indians were left without electricity after a major grid failure—one of the worst blackouts in history. Since then, India has focused on expanding energy access and boosting generation capacity. But as Spain’s experience shows, grid stability isn’t a one-time fix—it requires constant vigilance.
India’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly. With a strong push toward solar and wind power, the country is transforming its electricity mix. In 2023, 85% of the 34 gigawatts of added generation came from renewables, including 24 gigawatts of solar. Plans are underway to add another 300 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030.
This shift is largely being driven by private players and capital. From rooftop solar sets lighting up rural markets to corporate giants like Tata Power and ReNew Power attracting international investment, the sector is thriving. Recently, UAE-backed ALTERRA and Brookfield Asset Management pledged $100 million to solar firm Evren.
While this boom is encouraging, it also demands a smarter, more resilient power grid. Renewable sources—especially solar—bring variability, which complicates demand forecasting and grid management. As in Spain, an unprepared or outdated grid can quickly become a liability.
The Indian government now faces the urgent task of modernizing its grid infrastructure. Estimates for necessary investment range from $107 billion to $500 billion—figures that strain even the most optimistic budgets. Still, without this investment, the transition to renewables risks instability.
A major challenge is the lack of accurate data. Self-consumption systems—both off-grid and grid-connected—are hard to track. Spain reportedly had 10.5 gigawatts of solar installations unaccounted for in official data, which contributed to forecasting errors and grid stress. India may face a similar problem if it doesn’t improve monitoring and transparency.
Another red flag is the recent downfall of Gensol Engineering Ltd., once a rising star in India’s solar sector. Allegations of misconduct, government raids, and stock market shocks have raised concerns about governance in the renewable industry. As the sector grows, regulators must ensure accountability and standards.
India’s per-capita power consumption remains low—just 1,331 kWh in 2022–23 compared to China’s 6,257 kWh. But demand is set to soar. India will likely lead the world in new power generation capacity over the next few decades, most of it renewable. Without a strong grid, better data systems, and responsible players, however, that growth could come at a cost.
Spain’s blackout is a timely reminder: energy abundance must be matched by smarter infrastructure and regulation. India’s clean energy revolution is promising, but to keep the lights on, it must build not just more power—but better power.
