Renewable Energy Integration to Reshape Puducherry’s Power System Under 2030 Grid Transformation Plan

Puducherry is preparing for a major transformation of its electricity grid as rising power demand and renewable energy targets reshape the Union Territory’s energy landscape, according to a new report titled “Greening Puducherry’s Grid: Renewable Integration & Demand Flexibility Roadmap to 2030.”

The study, initiated by Auroville Consulting, projects Puducherry’s electricity demand to reach 39.87 GWh by FY 2029–30, driven primarily by strong growth in the industrial sector (37 percent) and continued expansion in domestic consumption. The roadmap aligns with India’s national objective of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity and complying with Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) mandates.

The report highlights that integrating higher shares of variable renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, will pose operational challenges for the regional grid. These include mismatches between generation and demand, steep evening ramp-up requirements of up to 346 MW per hour, renewable energy curtailment reaching 1.22 percent in wind-heavy scenarios, and increased reliance on power markets, which could rise to 3.35 percent.

To address these challenges, the study evaluates multiple renewable energy scenarios and identifies a wind-dominant (WD) energy mix as the most viable option for Puducherry. Under this scenario, wind energy would account for 54–60 percent of the renewable mix, helping reduce overall system costs, emissions, and storage requirements.

According to the analysis, the wind-dominant scenario results in the lowest total system cost of ₹4,869 crore, while significantly lowering carbon intensity to 0.09 tonnes of CO₂ per MWh. It also limits the need for large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) to just 2–3 percent of the overall capacity, compared to higher storage requirements in solar-heavy scenarios.

The roadmap emphasizes the importance of demand-side flexibility, including time-of-use tariffs, industrial load shifting, and smart energy management systems, to maintain grid stability as renewable penetration increases. These measures are expected to reduce peak load stress, enhance renewable utilization, and minimize dependence on external power markets.

Developed by Auroville Consulting, a unit of the non-profit Auroville Foundation, the report draws on modelling, scenario analysis, and policy evaluation to provide a structured pathway for Puducherry’s clean energy transition. The organization works closely with public and private stakeholders to advance sustainable urban and industrial development across India.

The study concludes that with the right mix of wind energy, targeted storage deployment, and demand flexibility measures, Puducherry can achieve a cost-effective, low-emission, and resilient power system by 2030, while supporting India’s broader clean energy and climate goals.