Renewable Energy O&M Strategies Evolve in India Amid Expanding Capacity
India's renewable energy sector is shifting towards data-driven operations and maintenance (O&M) strategies, critical for optimizing performance as capacity reaches 255 GW. This evolution is essential for enhancing project economics and ensuring sustained operational efficiency across solar, wind, and hydro technologies.
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As of February 2026, India has a total renewable energy capacity of 255 GW, comprising 143.6 GW of solar, 55.13 GW of wind, 51.17 GW of large hydro, and 5.17 GW of small hydro. The focus on O&M is intensifying due to the increasing complexity of managing dispersed assets and the integration of storage solutions.
Solar O&M is transitioning from basic maintenance to continuous performance monitoring, employing advanced techniques like SCADA-based diagnostics and robotic cleaning to combat issues such as soiling and inverter faults. Wind O&M is adopting predictive diagnostics and drone inspections to manage turbine reliability and reduce downtime.
For hydro projects, the emphasis is on long-term asset integrity through condition management rather than routine tasks. A Rs 25.85 billion small-hydro power scheme approved in March 2026 aims to bolster project development and support O&M ecosystems in challenging terrains. The industry is moving towards integrated performance management, with an increasing reliance on digital tools, predictive maintenance, and specialized service providers.
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