India is investing heavily in advanced weather forecasting systems to better support its rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, a senior government official confirmed on Friday.
Granular Forecasts for Solar and Wind Energy
Since solar and wind energy output depends directly on weather conditions, traditional large-scale forecasts are proving insufficient. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chair Ghanshyam Prasad stressed the need for highly localized data at the BloombergNEF Green Energy Summit, stating:
“You need a very, very granular forecast. For renewable energy, tracking cloud patterns and wind flows at specific sites is critical.”
Currently, India’s forecasts do not align with the power grid’s 15-minute operating cycles, where rapid weather shifts can impact supply. The government is working to improve precision down to smaller distances for more reliable predictions.
Focus on Long-Range Predictive Tools
Alongside short-term accuracy, India is also developing long-range forecasting models that could provide insights into weather patterns over multi-year horizons.
“No country currently has that level of forecasting visibility, but we are moving toward long-term models that provide at least some predictive insights,” Prasad explained.
These tools will be essential for energy planners as India continues to scale up its renewable capacity.
Managing Grid Stability Amid Rising Green Power
Grid management has already become more complex with higher renewable integration. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), New Delhi has had to adjust solar and coal power output during low-demand periods to reduce congestion and maintain stability.
Without improved weather forecasting, officials warn, sustaining grid reliability will become increasingly challenging.
Record Growth in Renewable Capacity
India installed a record 22 GW of solar and wind power in the first half of 2025 alone, strengthening its position as one of the fastest-growing clean energy markets globally. The country aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, in line with its climate commitments.
To enhance planning, the CEA has shifted from a five-year to an annual energy planning cycle, allowing more frequent adjustments based on weather trends and energy demand.
“This yearly approach allows us to capture weather patterns more effectively,” Prasad said.
Key Takeaways
- India is upgrading its weather forecasting systems for renewable energy reliability.
- Granular forecasts are needed for 15-minute grid cycles.
- Work is underway on long-range predictive models for energy planning.
- India targets 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
- Record 22 GW renewable capacity added in H1 2025.
- CEA adopts annual energy planning cycle to adapt to changing patterns.
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