India's Power Transmission Infrastructure Expansion

India's power sector is undergoing a significant expansion under the revised National Electricity Plan (NEP) 2023-2032. The plan outlines ambitious targets to meet India's growing electricity demand and integrate renewable energy sources into the grid.

• The plan aims to increase India's transmission network capacity from 4.85 lakh circuit kilometers (ckm) in 2024 to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032.
• The transformation capacity is also expected to surge from 1,251 GVA (gigavolt amperes) to 2,342 GVA, enhancing power distribution across the country.

Investing in India's Electricity Future

To achieve this expansion, the government anticipates investments of INR 9.15 lakh crore in central and state transmission systems by 2032. This significant investment highlights India's commitment to strengthening its power transmission infrastructure and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.

Boosting Renewable Energy Integration in India

The NEP emphasizes the importance of renewable energy in India's energy mix, particularly green hydrogen, and its integration into the grid. The plan includes provisions to support the development of renewable energy projects and ensure their seamless connection to the power grid.

• The government is planning to approve 50 GW of inter-state transmission systems (ISTS) to evacuate up to 280 GW of variable renewable energy (VRE) by 2030.

India's High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Capacity

The NEP incorporates the addition of nine High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines with a capacity of 33.25 GW. This will double the current HVDC capacity, enabling more efficient long-distance electricity transmission. Inter-Regional transfer capacity is also set to rise from 119 GW to 168 GW by 2032.

Thermal Power Generation in India

While India is transitioning towards renewable energy sources, the NEP acknowledges the continued importance of thermal power in meeting the country's electricity demand.

• India's current thermal capacity stands at 217 GW, with an additional 28.4 GW under construction. The government expects to rely on thermal power until at least 2035.

Coal-Based Power in India

The government has awarded 12.8 GW of new coal-based capacity in the last 100 days, highlighting its continued reliance on this energy source while the transition to renewable energy continues.

Meeting India's Growing Electricity Demand

India's NEP aims to meet the country's projected peak electricity demand of 458 GW by 2032, up from over 240 GW in 2023. The plan emphasizes the importance of building a robust and efficient power transmission infrastructure to accommodate this growth and ensure reliable electricity supply.

India's Energy Transition

India's NEP signifies a significant step forward in the country's energy transition. The plan highlights the country's commitment to investing in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and modernizing its power transmission infrastructure while ensuring reliable electricity supply to meet the nation's growing energy needs.