India’s Clean Energy Sector Calls for Advanced Weather Data as Forecasting Demands Rise

New Delhi – India’s clean energy companies are highlighting the importance of improved weather forecasting as the country prepares to introduce more stringent requirements for grid supply accuracy.

The focus on better data reflects the sector’s commitment to reliability, efficiency, and long-term growth in a rapidly expanding renewable landscape.

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission recently proposed tighter rules under the Deviation Settlement Mechanism, encouraging wind and solar producers to reduce gaps between projected and actual electricity supplied.

These measures aim to strengthen grid stability and support a more predictable flow of renewable power across the national network.

The updated framework is designed to come into effect from April 2026, giving producers time to adapt to stricter forecasting expectations.

In public consultations, developers welcomed the regulatory clarity while pointing to one major challenge: the lack of advanced hyperlocal forecasting tools tailored to India’s complex climate.

Clean energy firms noted that current weather systems do not always capture sudden shifts, especially in regions with intense monsoon activity or micro-climate variations.

These conditions can affect wind speeds, cloud cover, and solar irradiance, making precise forecasting difficult despite technological investments.

India’s largest renewable players have already been collaborating with global experts to strengthen their forecasting capabilities.

Some companies are incorporating deep learning models and international tools, yet many still find it challenging to accurately project short-term generation in remote or climate-sensitive locations.

Industry representatives explained that India’s tropical climate brings unpredictable transitions that differ significantly from the steadier seasonal patterns seen in mid-latitude countries.

This unpredictability can create forecasting gaps that, under stricter rules, could lead to higher penalties for deviations.

Developers also highlighted that existing radar systems across India are primarily focused on disaster management needs rather than the energy sector.

Regions with high renewable potential often lack specialized monitoring infrastructure that could dramatically improve real-time climate assessments.

Organizations participating in the consultation said that weather data from national agencies, while reliable, is updated only every few hours.

This time lag makes short-term prediction difficult, especially when sudden cloud movements or wind variations can alter expected power output within minutes.

Stakeholders stressed that improving the national forecasting ecosystem would benefit both developers and regulators.

Better data would help energy producers deliver more accurate projections while enabling grid operators to maintain efficiency during peak and off-peak periods.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has encouraged a wider conversation on balancing regulatory discipline with practical forecasting limitations.

Officials have recently emphasized that encouraging investment, innovation, and stability should remain central to policy reforms.

Industry leaders believe that developing advanced meteorological tools could accelerate the growth of India’s renewable sector.

They argue that stronger forecasting capabilities would enable higher renewable integration into the grid while reducing dependency on fossil-based backup power systems.

The push for improved weather accuracy is also aligned with India’s broader transition toward sustainable energy and smarter grid networks.

As storage technologies, AI-driven models, and digital energy platforms expand, enhanced data systems are expected to play a crucial role in supporting reliable clean power.

Stakeholders say that proactive investment in climate monitoring infrastructure can help India meet its long-term renewable targets.
With more precise information, developers can optimize project planning, increase efficiency, and reduce operational uncertainties.

As discussions continue, the sector remains optimistic that collaboration between regulators, researchers, and the renewable industry will strengthen India’s position as a global leader in clean energy.

The focus on innovation, data improvement, and grid reliability reflects a shared commitment to building a resilient energy future.