Khattar launches National Electricity Plan for transmission, inaugurates industry event

New Delhi: Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated ‘Brainstorming Session on the Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047’ and launched the National Electricity Plan (Transmission) on Monday. The two-day event has been organised by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) which is set to celebrate its 51st Foundation Day on October 15. “By 2047, we anticipate our power demand to reach 708 GW. To meet this, we need to increase our capacity by four times, i.e. 2,100 GW,” Khattar said, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead. “This is not just about increasing capacity; it’s about reimagining our entire energy landscape,” said the minister.

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The Union Minister emphasised the critical role of renewable energy in India’s future power mix. “We have set an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, effectively doubling our current capacity,” he said. This push towards green energy aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

The minister praised the CEA for its pivotal role in shaping the power sector’s future, citing the National Electricity Plan, which was launched at the session. “This plan will provide crucial guidance to state governments and investors, fostering a collaborative approach to sector development,” he noted.

National Electricity Plan (Transmission)

The National Electricity Plan (Transmission), developed in consultation with various stakeholders, outlines a comprehensive strategy to achieve the government’s energy transition goals. It details the transmission infrastructure required to support 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, increasing to over 600 GW by 2032. The plan incorporates new segments such as the integration of 10 GW of offshore wind farms, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems, and 30 GW of pumped storage plants. It also addresses the power needs of green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs, and includes cross-border interconnections. With a planned addition of 1,90,000 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 1,270 GPA of transformation capacity over the next decade, the plan presents an investment opportunity of over Rs 9 lakh crore in the transmission sector.

The minister also addressed the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources into the grid, emphasising the need for advanced storage solutions. “We are exploring innovative technologies in pump storage facilities and battery storage to ensure 24/7 power availability to our citizens,” the Union Minster explained.

Recognising the transformative impact of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation on power demand, the government is focusing on grid infrastructure expansion and upgradation. The Union Minister stressed the importance of creating a skilled workforce to support this modernisation, stating, “We must develop a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a 21st-century energy system.”

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik emphasised the need for meticulous planning to align the power sector with emerging priorities. He called for a swift transition towards a diverse and cleaner energy mix, driven by ambitious sustainability targets. “Significant investment will be needed in renewable technologies, energy storage solutions and grid modernisation,” Naik stated. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Central Electricity Authority in shaping the sector’s transformation, noting its wide-ranging responsibilities from formulating national electricity plans to setting technical standards. The minister stressed the importance of developing new skills, regulatory frameworks, and market structures to manage the evolving energy landscape, asserting that “Electricity is not just a commodity, but a catalyst for growth, development and a sustainable future.”

Power Secretary emphasises India’s critical role in OSOWOG

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal outlined India’s roadmap for a modern, energy-efficient power sector, emphasising India’s critical role in the vision of ONE SUN, ONE WORLD, ONE GRID (OSOWOG) for a sustainable future.

He underscored the multifaceted nature of energy security, stating that it encompasses three critical elements: affordability, adequacy coupled with reliability, and sustainability. He further alluded to the recent G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, highlighting the ambitious targets set for the sector. “The G20 members have resolved to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency,” he noted. Looking ahead to COP29, the Secretary added, “We anticipate a requirement for a sixfold increase in storage capacity.” He also underlined the need for a comprehensive planning framework to meet demand optimally and securely while calling for the flexibilisation of Power Purchase Agreements and reduced power costs for consumers.

CEA Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad presented a comprehensive roadmap for the power sector’s evolution, tracing its growth from a mere 1 GW peak demand at Independence to current plans to increase it four times to 2,053 GW by 2047. This ambitious plan includes a significant shift towards renewable energy, with targets of 1,200 GW of solar and over 400 GW of wind power by 2047. A key focus is on hydro pump storage plants, with capacity expected to surge from the current 4.7 GW to 116 GW. The plan addresses critical areas such as flexible operation of thermal and nuclear plants, skill development, research and development, financing for energy transition, and innovative solutions in transmission and distribution. He emphasised the need for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to achieve the vision of a world-class Indian power sector by 2047, coinciding with the country’s centenary of Independence.

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