2,100 GW Capacity Expansion Required to Meet Energy Needs: Minister Manohar Lal

The CEA has unveiled its vision for the power sector's development through 2047, emphasising sustainable growth, technological innovation, and meeting the challenges of a rapidly expanding economy.

At the two-day Brainstorming Session on the Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047  Union Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, outlined the government's strategy to meet the country's burgeoning energy needs while transitioning to cleaner power sources.

The conclave was organised in collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, including FICCI and CBIP, who served as the programme partners, among a host of other organisations, reflecting its industry-wide significance. 

"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 GW," Minister Manohar Lal stated, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.

The minister emphasised the critical role of renewable energy in India's future power mix. "We have set an ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, effectively doubling our current capacity," he said. This push towards green energy aligns with India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

He praised the CEA for its pivotal role in shaping the sector's future, citing the National Electricity Plan, which was launched at the session. "This plan will provide crucial guidance to state governments and investors, fostering a collaborative approach to sector development," he noted.

The minister also addressed the challenges of integrating variable renewable energy sources into the grid, emphasising the need for advanced storage solutions. "We are exploring innovative technologies in pump storage facilities and battery storage to ensure 24/7 power availability to our citizens," he explained.

Recognising the transformative impact of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation on power demand, the government is focusing on grid infrastructure expansion and upgradation. Lal stressed the importance of creating a skilled workforce to support this modernisation, stating, "We must develop a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a 21st-century energy system."