GS-3Editorials20 June 2026thehindu.com

India’s cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up

India is failing to utilize its abundant and cheap solar and wind power due to an inadequate electricity grid. Upgrading the existing grid with advanced technologies and adding storage solutions could unlock 1,000 GW of new clean energy without requiring additional land for transmission. Solar and wind are now India's cheapest power sources, and with low battery costs, firm clean power can be delivered at approximately ₹3.5 per kWh.

India is failing to utilize its abundant and cheap solar and wind power due to an inadequate electricity grid. Upgrading the existing grid with advanced technologies and adding storage solutions could unlock 1,000 GW of new clean energy without requiring additional land for transmission. Solar and wind are now India's cheapest power sources, and with low battery costs, firm clean power can be delivered at approximately ₹3.5 per kWh.

Exam linkage

GS Paper 3: Economy (Infrastructure: Energy); Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)

Syllabus mapping

Environment & EcologyIndian Culture Art ArchitectureModern Indian HistoryIndian Society DiversityGlobalization Indian SocietySocial Empowerment Communalism