New Delhi, March 20: Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said India’s power sector is undergoing a structural shift towards innovation, affordability, and global collaboration, reflecting the country’s rapid transformation in the energy domain.
Addressing the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, the minister highlighted that India has already achieved 50 per cent cumulative non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity ahead of schedule, underscoring strong momentum in the clean energy transition.
He cited flagship initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and SHANTI Act 2025 as key drivers accelerating renewable energy adoption and sectoral reforms.
Khattar noted that India has transitioned from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation, supported by significant renewable capacity expansion. Solar capacity has surged from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW, indicating rapid scale-up in clean energy deployment.
With electricity demand rising steadily, the country is preparing to handle peak demand of 270 GW and beyond, after successfully managing 250 GW in FY25.
The minister also projected investments of around ₹200 lakh crore in the power sector over the next two decades, driven by expansion in transmission infrastructure, cross-border energy connectivity, and emerging areas such as undersea transmission networks.
Positioning India as a future global energy exporter, Khattar said the sector’s long-term vision is to deliver affordable and sustainable power at scale.
The summit, being held at Yashobhoomi, has brought together global policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to shape the future of the energy ecosystem. Describing it as a “Conference of Light,” the minister said it reflects India’s ambition to lead the global energy transition and achieve its vision of a developed nation by 2047.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also addressed the gathering, emphasising that while thermal power will remain relevant, renewable energy represents the most sustainable long-term pathway, calling for a balanced transition driven by scale, speed, and skill.
