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.

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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