Stabilize Renewable Energy Grid by 2029

India is planning to launch a dedicated weather satellite by 2028–29 to improve renewable energy forecasts and stabilize its national grid, ensuring more reliable integration of solar and wind power into the system.

Why this matters

• Unpredictable weather disrupts renewable output: Sudden cloud cover or wind fluctuations often cause grid congestion and financial strain for power producers.
• Dedicated weather satellite: The new satellite will provide customized weather services for the power sector, enhancing the accuracy of solar and wind generation forecasts.
• Government collaboration: The initiative is being led jointly by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Key features of the satellite

• Launch timeline: Targeted for 2028–29.
• Advanced forecasting tools: Integration of Doppler radars, private and government data sources, and satellite observations to predict supply–demand fluctuations.
• Grid stability: Helps avoid blackouts, penalties, and congestion, supporting India’s ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets.
• Climate resilience: Designed to counter increasing disruptions from climate change, which affect renewable generation patterns.

Strategic impact

• Supports India’s clean energy transition: Reliable forecasting is critical to achieving large solar and wind capacity targets by 2030.
• Global relevance: India’s satellite could become a model for energy forecasting innovation.
• Policy alignment: Complements tighter green power rules requiring renewable producers to meet stricter supply commitments