Govt directs CEA to prepare roadmap to phase out import of critical power systems by 2030

New Delhi: The Government has directed the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to prepare a roadmap for indigenisation of SCADA systems critical for power infrastructure to phase out imports by 2030.

The Centre’s move comes as reliance on foreign technologies for critical infrastructure may expose utilities to supply chain disruptions.

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Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is crucial for monitoring and controlling the power system in generation, transmission and distribution functional areas. The critical system has the ability to exercise control over a specific device and to confirm its performance in accordance with the directed action.

During the Prime Minister's sectoral review meeting held in December last year, indigenisation of SCADA systems, which are presently being imported, was identified as an important action point for enhancing self-reliance and cyber-resilience of the power system, the CEA said in a report dated August 25.

The Ministry of Power on December 12, 2025, informed about the decision of the Secretary (Power) that the SCADA system is not to be imported beyond 2030 and efforts have to be initiated for indigenisation of the SCADA system, the report said.

In this regard, CEA said it was requested to suggest a trajectory of SCADA indigenisation after consultations with the concerned stakeholders.

Accordingly, with the approval of the competent authority, a committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Member (Planning), Central Electricity Authority, to formulate the 'Trajectory of Indigenisation of SCADA System ', which is working in this direction, according to the report.

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On the rationale, CEA said the rapid evolution of power systems necessitates periodic upgrades of SCADA systems due to the obsolescence of hardware and software, shortage of spares and emerging requirements for enhanced visualisation, data storage, analytics and cybersecurity.

The body, which advises the Centre on matters relating to the national electricity policy, said SCADA systems serve as the central nervous system of the National Power Grid, enabling the "One Nation, One Grid, One Frequency" framework through real-time monitoring and control.

However, heavy dependence on foreign OEMs with proprietary technologies results in interoperability constraints, delays in customisation, limited flexibility in system enhancements and dependence on external support services.

In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, such dependence poses potential risks to national energy security. Reliance on foreign technologies for critical infrastructure may expose utilities to supply chain disruptions, technology access constraints, delayed availability of upgrades and support, and limited transparency associated with proprietary or "black box" systems, the CEA said.

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