“India Unveils Roadmap to Achieve 2,100 GW Power Capacity by 2047, Emphasises Grid Modernization” Union Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, outlined the government's strategy for addressing the expected power demand, which is projected to reach 708 GW by 2047.
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NEW DELHI– India has set an ambitious target to transform its power sector, aiming to reach 2,100 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity by 2047, in line with the nation’s centenary of independence. This vision was presented at the two-day “Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047” session, where experts discussed strategies to meet growing energy demands while advancing toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
The event, held in collaboration with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP), drew participation from a wide range of industry and policy stakeholders. Their involvement underscores the sector-wide commitment to driving India’s energy transition.
Scaling Up Capacity to Meet Future Demand
Union Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, outlined the government’s strategy for addressing the expected power demand, which is projected to reach 708 GW by 2047. He stressed that achieving a fourfold increase in capacity is not merely about scaling up infrastructure but involves a comprehensive transformation of the energy landscape. “This is about reimagining how we produce, distribute, and consume energy,” he stated.
At the session, the CEA launched the National Electricity Plan (Transmission), which lays out a detailed strategy for India’s energy transition. The plan sets a target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032. Manohar Lal acknowledged CEA’s pivotal role in crafting a roadmap that not only provides direction to state governments and investors but also encourages a collaborative approach to sector development. The plan includes provisions for integrating 10 GW of offshore wind power, 47 GW of battery energy storage systems, and 30 GW of pumped storage plants to enhance grid stability.
The plan also addresses future energy requirements for emerging technologies such as green hydrogen and green ammonia, with strategies for creating a robust grid network that supports these industries. Additionally, it proposes cross-border interconnections to enhance regional energy security.
Renewable Energy at the Core of India’s Strategy
India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 drives the push for renewable energy. The plan is a significant step toward meeting these goals, aligning the country with global leaders like China and the European Union in terms of renewable capacity targets.
The transition to a renewable-centric energy model will see a significant scaling of solar and wind power installations, with targets set at 1,200 GW for solar and over 400 GW for wind by 2047. This will place India among the world’s top renewable energy producers, helping to diversify the energy mix and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Addressing Grid Integration and Modernization
The ambitious expansion of renewable energy presents challenges, particularly regarding grid integration and storage solutions. The government plans to add 190,000 circuit kilometers of new transmission lines and increase transformation capacity by 1,270 GVA by 2032, representing a major investment of over 9 lakh crore rupees in transmission infrastructure. This expansion will support the grid’s ability to accommodate variable renewable energy sources and ensure reliable power supply.
To overcome the intermittency issues associated with renewables, the plan prioritizes investments in advanced storage technologies such as battery energy storage and pumped hydro storage. “Innovative solutions are key to guaranteeing 24/7 power availability for all citizens,” Manohar Lal explained.
The roadmap also highlights the need for policy reforms to create a favorable environment for investments in the power sector. Measures such as flexible power purchase agreements and incentives for renewable energy projects are proposed to lower power costs for consumers and attract private sector investment.
Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power, stressed the urgency of preparing the sector for a diverse energy future. “We must rapidly move towards a cleaner energy mix, investing significantly in renewable technologies, energy storage solutions, and grid modernization,” he said. His remarks underscored the importance of the CEA’s role in not only setting technical standards but also guiding the sector through this transformation.
Global Collaboration and India’s Role
As a participant in the “One Sun, One World, One Grid” initiative, India aims to establish a globally interconnected grid to maximize the use of renewable energy. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration set ambitious targets to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency, aligning with India’s roadmap for a sustainable energy future.
Looking ahead, the focus will also be on preparing for COP29, with plans to increase storage capacity sixfold to accommodate the growing share of renewables. The roadmap addresses the need for a comprehensive planning framework to optimize demand, modernize power purchase agreements, and enhance energy affordability.
Building the Workforce and Infrastructure for a Modern Power Sector
To support this transformation, the government is also prioritizing skill development and workforce training to equip individuals with the expertise required for a 21st-century energy system. “We need to cultivate a skilled workforce that can manage and innovate within a rapidly evolving energy landscape,” Manohar Lal noted.
The session also saw contributions from senior officials and experts. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, emphasized the importance of energy security, noting its three pillars: affordability, adequacy with reliability, and sustainability. He referenced the ambitious goals set forth in the recent G20 New Delhi Declaration, advocating for greater flexibility in power procurement agreements and reduced electricity costs for consumers.
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of CEA, presented a comprehensive timeline for the sector’s growth, highlighting key milestones such as achieving 2,100 GW of total capacity by 2047. He discussed strategies to significantly increase solar, wind, and hydro pump storage capacities, while also focusing on thermal and nuclear power plant flexibility, financing mechanisms for energy transition, and innovations in transmission and distribution.
With FICCI’s active involvement, the discussions emphasized the role of industry in supporting India’s energy ambitions through investment, research, and policy advocacy. FICCI’s efforts to foster dialogue between the government and private sector stakeholders reflect a united approach to achieving the vision of a sustainable and energy-secure India by 2047.
The session concluded with a call for all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards realizing this vision, as the country approaches the centenary of its independence.
– Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Follow via X @shahidsiddiqui
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