India's Renewable Energy Generation Dips With Slump In Wind Power

A comparison of monthly renewable energy generation data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) claimed that India's monthly renewable generation (including hydro) dipped in October this year. 

As per the latest available report of the CEA, India's total renewable energy generation stood at 17.9 percent. During the month, the country generated a total of 26,652 Million Units (MUs). It was the fourth lowest renewable generation since January 2023. 

The figures hinted that the lower renewable generation during the month was mainly due to a slump in wind power generation. Wind energy reported its second-lowest generation of the year during October. CEA data suggest that during October 2023, the country witnessed a total wind power generation of 3,548 MU. Since January 2023, the lowest wind power generation was reported in February this year at 3,126 MU.

However, the CEA data hinted that solar generation saw a revival during the months. While solar generation in India has been below 10,000 MU since June this year, it reported a total generation of 10,220 MU in October. India reported solar power generation above 10,000 only three times this year, mainly during the onset of summer and peak summer months, besides October. This included- March (10,244MU), April 10,318MU) and May (10,776MU). 

India reported the highest generation of renewable energy (including hydro) during the rainy months of July and August, where increased wind generation and hydropower generation aided in the overall growth of non-fossil fuel power.

India reported the highest wind energy generation in July, with a total of 12,449 MU, and in August, 12,394 MU. Despite the lower installed capacity of wind power compared to solar in India, wind energy generation surpassed solar generation in June, July, and August, monthly renewable energy data from CEA said.

A detailed scrutiny of the government data claimed that the country reported the lowest solar generation in the months of July (8435MU), August (9325MU) and January (9290MW).