THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 19, 2026

India’s focus on innovation, affordability and global collaboration in the power sector took centre stage as Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the ‘Bharat Electricity Summit 2026’, a four-day global conference-cum-exhibition, at Yashobhoomi on Thursday.

The high-profile inaugural session was attended by Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and  Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India;  Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India; Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) , reflecting the government’s unified push towards transforming India into a global energy leader.

Highlighting India’s remarkable strides, the Minister underscored achievements such as meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution target of 50% cumulative non-fossil fuel capacity nearly five years ahead of schedule, the rollout of the SHANTI Act 2025, and flagship initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He noted that India has transitioned from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation, while solar capacity has surged dramatically from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW. Emphasizing the scale of opportunity, he pointed to investment potential of nearly ₹200 lakh crore in the power sector over the next two decades.

In his keynote address, the Minister highlighted a 72% expansion in transmission infrastructure to over 5 lakh circuit kilometers, India’s success in meeting a peak demand of 250 GW in 2024–25, and preparedness to meet demand of 270 GW and beyond. He also outlined India’s ambitions to emerge as a global exporter of affordable energy, supported by initiatives such as cross-border energy connectivity and undersea transmission networks.

He further added, “Today is not just another day, it is a day of resolve for India’s energy transformation. From relying on conventional resources to now returning to the power of the sun, we are completing a full circle. Energy is at the heart of development, and as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, our focus is on innovation, affordability, and global collaboration. This ‘Conference of Light’ is not just an event, but a movement to take India’s energy leadership to the world.”

Echoing this vision, Pralhad Joshi stressed that while thermal power will continue as the backbone of the energy system, renewable energy remains the only sustainable long-term pathway, calling for a balanced transition driven by scale, speed, and skill. Shripad Naik added that India’s installed power capacity has more than doubled since 2014, with renewable energy witnessing exponential growth, and highlighted the growing participation of over 32 lakh households and 23 lakh farmers in clean energy generation.

Pankaj Agarwal noted that India now operates one of the world’s largest synchronized grids, backed by advanced balancing systems, widespread smart meter deployment, and robust policy frameworks. He further added, “India’s power sector transformation over the past decade offers a strong global model, driven by policy clarity, scale, and innovation. From near-zero peak deficits to one of the world’s largest synchronized grids, and from falling solar tariffs to smart infrastructure rollout, we are building a system that is efficient, reliable, and investment-ready. The next phase will be defined by technology, data, and global partnerships.”

During the inaugural session, the Ministry of Power released key strategic reports, including the National Resource Adequacy Plan and an ambitious transmission blueprint for integrating over 900 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035–36. The plan envisages the development of 1,37,500 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 8,27,600 MVA of substation capacity, with an estimated investment of ₹7.93 lakh crore to ensure seamless renewable energy evacuation and enhanced grid resilience.

Positioned as one of the largest global platforms in the electricity domain, the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 will feature over 100 high-level sessions, more than 300 speakers, participation from over 80 countries, 500 exhibitors including 100 startups, and an expected footfall of over 25,000 visitors, reinforcing India’s growing stature at the forefront of the global energy transition.