India’s power demand to reach 270 GW next year, 446 GW by 2035; 100 GW transmission capacity boost planned, ET EnergyWorld


New Delhi: India’s peak power demand is set to reach 270 gigawatts (GW) in the next fiscal year and is projected to soar to an estimated 446 GW by 2030, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad said. Speaking at a media briefing during the ‘Brainstorming Session on Indian Power Sector Scenario by 2047,’ Prasad outlined the country’s evolving power needs and the measures being taken to meet future demand.

“The government had earlier projected peak power demand for the summer season this year at 260 GW,” Prasad stated. However, due to unseasonal rains and lower-than-expected temperatures, peak demand remained 250 GW, falling short of the forecast.

The two-day event, organized by the CEA in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), focuses on various aspects of the power sector, including generation, transmission, and distribution. According to Prasad, the government is ensuring sufficient capacities are being added to meet rising demand in the coming years.

“In FY26, the peak demand is projected to be 270 GW, and by 2035, it could reach 446 GW,” Prasad said. The country is gearing up to meet this demand through substantial capacity additions. “This year alone, we will add about 40 GW of capacity, including 10 GW from thermal power, 25 GW from renewable sources such as solar and wind, 3 GW from hydro, and 700 megawatts (MW) from nuclear power,” he added.

Robust capacity additions and transmission boost

India’s power demand is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7-8% over the next several years, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy. To keep pace with this rising demand, the government is focusing on ramping up both conventional and renewable energy sources.

In addition to generation capacity, the CEA Chairperson said that India has a robust pipeline of transmission infrastructure, with plans to add 100 GW of transmission capacity over the coming years. This expansion is expected to cost between ₹5-6 lakh crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering the national grid’s resilience and efficiency.

The transmission capacity expansion will be critical in integrating new renewable energy projects and ensuring that the electricity generated from these sources is efficiently distributed across the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize India’s power infrastructure and reduce bottlenecks in the transmission system.

The capacity addition planned for this fiscal year also reflects the government’s focus on sustainability and energy security. The 40 GW being added includes a mix of thermal, solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power, with renewable energy making up a significant portion of the new capacity.

Strategic distribution planning

Prasad also emphasized the importance of planning for future distribution needs. “A 10-year distribution plan has been drafted in consultation with states and has been submitted to the Ministry of Power for approval. This plan is expected to be launched during the event,” he revealed.

The long-term plan aims to ensure that the growing electricity demand across urban and rural areas can be met efficiently while addressing issues such as power theft, losses in distribution, and aging infrastructure. By focusing on modernizing both transmission and distribution networks, the CEA seeks to create a more robust, efficient power system that can support India’s ambitious growth targets.

Long-term growth outlook

India’s power sector is undergoing a massive transformation, with a significant shift toward renewable energy sources as part of the country’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions. As the country races to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets, including the installation of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, these capacity additions will play a crucial role in ensuring energy security.

The 100 GW transmission capacity expansion is expected to complement the growing renewable energy sector, enabling smoother integration of solar and wind power into the national grid. The government is also focusing on upgrading the power transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure that the rising demand is met without disruption. The CEA is working closely with industry stakeholders and state governments to ensure the power grid remains resilient and capable of handling the growing load.

“India is well on track to meet its future power requirements, with a diversified energy mix that includes thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable sources,” Prasad noted. He added that the power sector’s growth would be supported by sustained policy initiatives, investments in grid infrastructure, and advancements in energy storage technologies.

The road ahead

As India’s energy demand continues to grow, the power sector is gearing up for a period of rapid expansion. With projections indicating a peak demand of 270 GW in the next fiscal year and an ambitious target of 446 GW by 2030, the Central Electricity Authority is working diligently to ensure that the country’s energy infrastructure can meet these demands.

The ongoing capacity additions, including a 100 GW transmission expansion and strategic distribution initiatives, reflect the government’s commitment to providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable power across the country. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, India is positioning itself to become a global leader in both conventional and renewable energy sectors.

  • Published On Oct 9, 2024 at 05:51 PM IST

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