Government Unveils National Electricity Plan to Address India’s Growing Energy Needs

Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar today unveiled the National Electricity Plan (transmission) to address the growing energy demand of the Indian economy. Prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the plan sets a target of transmitting 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with the goal of reaching over 600 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2032. 

“By 2047, we anticipate our power demand to reach 708 GW. To meet this, we need to increase our capacity by four times, that is 2,100 GW,” the minister said while unveiling the plan. “Meeting India’s growing energy needs while becoming a developed nation by 2047 is a challenge we must accept,” he added. 

The plan outlines several key initiatives aimed at transitioning India towards a green and clean economy. These include integrating 10 GW of offshore wind farms, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems, and 30 GW of pumped storage plants. Additionally, it addresses the power requirements for green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs, along with plans for cross-border interconnections to bolster energy security and trade. 

Over the next decade, the government plans to add approximately 190,000 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 1,270 GVA of transformation capacity. This initiative is expected to attract an investment of nearly ₹9 lakh crore in the transmission sector. 

While outlining the roadmap to achieve the targets set under the national electricity plan, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal emphasized three critical elements for ensuring energy security: affordability, adequacy, and reliability combined with sustainability. 

Former Power Secretary R V Shahi highlighted that, despite progress in energy generation and transmission after the 1991 reforms, the distribution side remains a key challenge. According to Shahi, while the government has made strides through policies since 1991, distribution has lagged behind. 

“Power sector reforms began as early as 1991-92, but they were half-hearted. It was only in 1999 that the need for restructuring was recognized, culminating in the Electricity Act of 2003,” Shahi noted.