“India’s Energy Revolution with 18,000 MW Hydel Projects: A Bright and Sustainable Future for Power and Renewables”
India’s power and renewable energy sector is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, driven by substantial investments and cutting-edge technological advancements that are reshaping the energy landscape. The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh, has unveiled several key developments and future plans that herald a promising and sustainable future for this pivotal sector.
Unprecedented Investments and Capacity Expansion with 18,000 MW of hydel power projects
India has experienced a remarkable surge in investments in its power and renewable energy sector since 2014, with a staggering total of Rs 16.93 lakh crore. An additional Rs 17.05 lakh crore is in the pipeline, underscoring the nation’s unwavering commitment to expanding its energy capabilities. Notably, 18,000 MW of hydel power projects are currently in progress, highlighting the nation’s focus on renewable energy sources. This expansion is a crucial step towards achieving the ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil-based electricity installed capacity by 2030.
Remarkable Reduction in AT&C Losses and Technological Advancements
One of the sector’s significant achievements is the reduction of Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses from approximately 27% in 2014 to around 15% in 2023, with a targeted reduction to about 12%. The nationwide deployment of smart pre-paid meters is a pivotal move towards modernizing the sector and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the sector has witnessed a remarkable 65% increase in the transmission network over the past nine years, significantly enhancing overall infrastructure.
Enhanced Power Availability and Capacity Growth
The availability of power in rural areas has surged from 12 hours in 2015 to an impressive 20.6 hours, while urban areas now enjoy up to 23.8 hours of uninterrupted power supply. This progress mirrors the sector’s substantial growth, with peak demand surging from 136 MW in 2014 to an impressive 243 MW in 2023. The installed power generation capacity has also surged by almost 70%, soaring from 249 GW to an impressive 426 GW during the same period.
A Renewed Focus on Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen
India is rapidly boosting its renewable energy manufacturing capacity, with plans to domestically produce the entire value chain of the renewable electricity sector, from poly-silicon to photovoltaic modules. Furthermore, India aspires to become a global leader in green hydrogen, diversifying its energy portfolio and emphasizing sustainability.
Revolutionary Advancements in Power Distribution and Electrical Systems
The ‘BID 2024’ exhibition, organized by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA), unveiled groundbreaking advancements in power distribution and electrical systems. This encompassed cutting-edge electrical equipment spanning transformers, cables, capacitors, switchgears, meters, as well as state-of-the-art technologies in distribution automation, control systems, energy efficiency, demand response, and cybersecurity.
A Glimpse into the Future
These monumental developments underscore India’s unwavering commitment to revolutionize its power and renewable energy sector into a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced industry. The emphasis on renewable sources like hydel power and green hydrogen aligns seamlessly with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The strides in distribution technology and the reduction of AT&C losses exemplify a shift towards a more reliable and customer-centric power supply system.
As India continues to invest in and modernize its power infrastructure, it stands poised not only to meet the escalating demand for electricity but also to emerge as a preeminent global leader in renewable energy. The future of India’s power and renewable energy sector shines brilliantly, promising a sustainable and prosperous path forward.
