The Indian power sector stands at a pivotal crossroads, with ambitious plans to quadruple its capacity by 2047 to meet projected demands of 708 gigawatts. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s statements at the recent Brainstorming Session on the Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047 underscore a transformative vision that extends far beyond mere numbers. “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 gigawatts,” he asserted, highlighting the necessity for a complete reimagining of the energy landscape.
This isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about redefining how India generates and consumes energy. The minister’s focus on renewable energy is particularly telling. With a target of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity by 2033, India is not only aiming for energy security but also aligning itself with global climate commitments. The commitment to reduce carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 is ambitious, yet it reflects the urgency of the climate crisis facing the planet.
To support this renewable energy surge, the newly launched National Electricity Plan (Transmission) is set to play a pivotal role. It lays out a roadmap for the necessary transmission infrastructure to handle 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, with plans to ramp up to over 600 gigawatts by 2032. This ambitious plan includes the integration of offshore wind farms, battery energy storage systems, and pumped storage plants, showcasing a holistic approach to energy management. Notably, it also addresses the burgeoning needs of green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs, which are poised to become key players in the energy transition.
The scale of investment required is staggering, with plans for 190,000 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 1,270 gigavolt-amperes of transformation capacity over the next decade. The projected investment exceeding ₹9 lakh crore in the transmission sector signals an unprecedented opportunity for growth and innovation. However, this also raises questions about the readiness of the supply chain to meet such demands.
Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal’s suggestion for a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for critical transmission equipment highlights a crucial aspect of this transition. By boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities, India can alleviate pressure on global supply chains while also fortifying its renewable energy infrastructure. This could be a game-changer, allowing for more resilient and flexible energy systems that can adapt to fluctuating demands and integrate emerging technologies.
As India forges ahead with these ambitious plans, the question remains: will the country rise to the occasion? The stakes are high, and the path is fraught with challenges, but the potential rewards—both economically and environmentally—are equally significant. The next few decades will be critical as India navigates this transformative journey, and the decisions made today will shape not only the energy landscape of the nation but also its role in the global fight against climate change.
