As India accelerates its renewable energy transition, the focus is shifting from merely adding capacity to building a resilient, integrated, and future-ready power ecosystem. With ambitious clean energy targets, rising electricity demand, and increasing pressure to ensure round-the-clock reliability, the next phase of growth will depend on how effectively solar, wind, storage, and grid systems work together.
In this exclusive interaction with ET EDGE INSIGHTS, Abhinand Basant, Deputy Managing Director, Kshema Power India, shares his perspective on why integrating solar and wind is critical for India’s infrastructure growth and energy security. Drawing on over two decades of on-ground experience across diverse geographies, he discusses the importance of hybrid systems, grid modernisation, pan-India execution capability, and strong public-private collaboration in accelerating renewable deployment. From transmission challenges and regional execution complexities to green job creation and long-term economic impact, Basant outlines a practical roadmap for building a dependable and scalable clean energy future for India.
Why is integrating solar and wind critical for India’s infrastructure growth and energy security?
When we talk about India’s growth, we’re really talking about energy. If our energy isn’t reliable, affordable, and clean, everything else slows down. That’s why I believe integrating solar and wind is not just policy, it’s essential.
Over the last few years, solar has moved incredibly fast in India. It expanded rapidly, costs came down, and project execution improved with greater scalability. In many ways, solar has grown ahead of the timelines we initially expected, and that’s why our daytime renewable power has improved so much. However, despite Solar’s rapid expansion, it still primarily meets daytime demand, leaving gaps during non-solar hours.
Wind, on the other hand, didn’t move at the same pace, and there were genuine reasons. Pricing challenges, supply-chain issues, and manufacturers needing time to scale up operations and production capabilities all slowed things down. The industry also needed time to adapt to evolving regulations and tariff structures. It wasn’t that there was no intent; the ecosystem just needed some time to catch up.
Because of this, we now see a clear pattern. Daytime renewable power is strong, but meeting night-time and non-solar hour demand remains the real challenge. That is exactly why there is a renewed push today toward wind and battery storage, to ensure clean energy is available beyond daylight hours.
Solar and wind complement each other beautifully. Solar supports us through the day, and wind generation often strengthens from the late afternoon into the evening and night, as solar output declines, helping balance the grid. This natural complementarity makes the energy mix more dependable and reduces reliance on conventional power after sunset.
When we integrate both along with storage, we don’t just add capacity; we build stability into the grid. This integration also drives something bigger: better transmission systems, hybrid parks, and smarter infrastructure that support industries, communities, and long-term growth. For a country like ours, energy cannot be episodic. It must be dependable, predictable, and future-ready. Bringing solar and wind together is how we get there.
What are the roles of hybrid and grid-modernization solutions in achieving net-zero targets?
Achieving India’s net-zero goals will require more than simply adding renewable capacity; it depends on how intelligently that capacity is planned, integrated, and managed. Hybrid systems—whether solar-wind combinations or renewable-plus-storage solutions—help address the natural variability of clean energy. They enhance reliability, optimise asset utilisation, and improve overall financial viability. For me, these are not just technical solutions but practical enablers of efficiency and stability.
A key enabler in this transition is the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), which allows renewable power to move seamlessly across states, ensuring the best resources are used where demand exists. While ISTS charge rules continue to evolve, the expanding transmission network remains critical for enabling large-scale hybrid and round-the-clock renewable projects. Strategically aligning projects with ISTS connectivity is essential for building high-performing systems.
However, hybrid plants alone are not enough. A modernised, digital grid—supported by advanced forecasting, automation, and adaptive systems—is equally vital to maintain stability as renewable penetration rises. When hybrid solutions and a modern grid function together, they create a resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem. With strong focus on operations, maintenance, and performance optimisation, net-zero moves from aspiration to achievable reality.
What are the key challenges and opportunities in renewable deployment across geographies?
Renewable deployment in India is deeply shaped by geography. What works in Rajasthan may not work in Tamil Nadu, and coastal strategies often fail in hilly terrain. Wind patterns, land conditions, logistics, and transmission readiness vary widely. Fluctuating steel and conductor prices impact feasibility, while Right of Way (ROW) delays remain a persistent bottleneck. The pace of growth is often linked to how quickly transmission grids can be planned and executed, and proactive government support in securing corridors can significantly accelerate deployment.
These are real, on-ground challenges reflected in project timelines, approvals, transmission access, and community engagement. With over 25 years of experience across diverse regions and project conditions, we’ve learned how to align transmission with execution, navigate land realities, and deliver projects that meet global compliance, quality, and safety standards—including for international clients.
Importantly, these complexities also create opportunity. The sector needs strong pan-India players who understand regional diversity and can execute with foresight rather than firefighting. Renewable deployment cannot be templated; it must be designed for the place, the grid, and the people. That’s where experienced players add true value, not just by adding capacity, but by building smarter, steadier, and future-ready systems.
How does the evolving role of private and public-private partnerships shape renewable expansion?
As renewables scale, one thing is clear: large-scale expansion only happens when private players and government frameworks work in sync. Private developers bring speed, innovation, cost efficiency, and execution discipline, while the government ensures regulatory clarity, land access, transmission readiness, and investment security.
The most effective partnerships are outcome-driven. When policy, approvals, and grid infrastructure are aligned with strong execution capabilities, renewables scale efficiently. Transparent procurement, predictable regulations, and standardized frameworks are critical to sustaining momentum in line with India’s growth and climate ambitions.
We’re seeing growing interest from private investors and public financial agencies, which is encouraging. At the same time, experienced EPC players remain central to execution. IPPs provide capital and strategic oversight, but efficient turnkey delivery requires deep technical expertise, pan-India experience, and operational strength.
When IPPs, financial institutions, government bodies, and experienced EPC teams collaborate effectively, renewable expansion becomes faster, smarter, and more impactful. This coordinated approach is essential for India to achieve its ambitious energy and climate goals.
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