India sets a US$ 109.50 billion (Rs. 9.15 lakh crore) blueprint for power sector to meet 458 GW demand by 2032

In a significant move to enhance India’s power infrastructure, the Ministry of Power, guided by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, has unveiled a US$ 109.50 billion (Rs. 9.15 lakh crore) plan to strengthen the nation's power grid and improve energy security. Union Minister of Power, Mr. Manohar Lal, announced the National Electricity Plan 2023 to 2032, which aims to expand the transmission network to accommodate a projected peak demand of 458 GW by 2032. “Our power infrastructure is pivotal to national security and economic stability,” stated He, emphasizing the importance of integrating renewable energy and green hydrogen. The transmission network is expected to grow from 4.85 lakh circuit kilometers (ckm) in 2024 to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032, with transformation capacity increasing from 1,251 GVA to 2,342 GVA.

The minister also approved 50 GW of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) capacity to evacuate 280 GW of variable renewable energy (VRE) by 2030, with 42 GW already completed. During a recent 100-day period, transmission schemes for 50.9 GW capacity were approved, amounting to an investment of US$ 7.26 billion (Rs. 60,676 crore). These initiatives will enhance renewable electricity evacuation across states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Additionally, 83,596 households from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) have been electrified, and significant progress has been made in segregating agricultural feeders. The press conference also introduced the Computer Security Incident Response Team for the power sector (CSIRT-Power) to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Revised electric vehicle charging infrastructure guidelines were announced to support a nationwide interoperable network, promoting electric vehicle adoption.

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