The Indian government is working to make its weather forecast system more accurate in order to estimate power demand better.

This is being done as the country is planning to push further towards renewable energy, according to Ghanshyam Prasad, the Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Weather forecasting is of prime importance when it comes to solar and wind energy generation. India is aiming to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030. To do this, the country no longer finds traditional broad-scale or regional predictions sufficient.

Weather Forecasting Important

Weather forecasts are highly crucial, especially in terms of solar and wind energy, which are completely dependent on weather conditions. “If the demand is going to increase, the generation capacity of the country should be able to serve the rising green fuel demand,” said Prasad on August 22 at the Bloomberg NEF Summit in New Delhi. He further added that 40 GW of renewable capacity in the country is yet to take off. The main structural challenges in generating clean energy in India are infrastructural weaknesses and stressed assets—something similar to the thermal energy sector.

The demand for forecasting becomes more challenging as unpredictable weather patterns intensify due to climate change. This year, the CEA—the planning body within the power ministry—projected 270 GW of peak demand in India. However, the country has only recorded 242 GW of energy demand, even during the summer season.

“This was due to almost continuous rains throughout the country, something that doesn’t usually happen. You need a very, very granular forecast, and we have taken up the matter with IMD (the Indian Meteorological Department) and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. The ability to track cloud movement at specific locations is critical,” said Prasad.

India Lacks Forcast Infra

Currently, India’s weather forecasting system operates at a resolution of 12 km x 12 km and is updated only twice a day. However, systems like the power grid function within 15-minute intervals. That is why there is a huge gap and a pressing need for more frequent and localized forecasts.

According to Prasad, the IMD will be provided with necessary tools such as weather satellite sensors and other equipment that will improve its forecasting accuracy beyond daily or short-term forecasts. The country also needs reliable long-term projections, extending beyond five years. Crucial infrastructure planning, along with climate strategy and policymaking, will be required. The development of capacity will demand advanced modeling, high-quality data, and computing power, according to Prasad.

Accurate weather forecasting is also crucial for ensuring power sector stability as India scales up its reliance on renewable resources. The country has already recorded 22 GW of new solar and wind capacity in the first half of 2025. On its part, the CEA is moving from a five-year energy planning cycle to an annual model.

“That is a challenge that we have taken up. If I do it every year, that means I will be able to capture the forecast better,” said Prasad.

There is also a reported issue of solar curtailment in India due to delays in commissioning critical transmission lines and congestion in existing transmission infrastructure. According to Prasad, India’s existing and planned power transmission lines will soon be able to handle 478 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity. The remaining grid infrastructure will help the country achieve its goal of 500 GW of clean energy installations by 2030. The required infrastructure is said to be ready for functioning within three years.

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