India has transformed from power-deficit to a power-sufficient nation : Manohar Lal Khattar

Addressing the Regional Conference for the Northern Region States/ UTs on Friday in Chandigarh, Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs said that India has transformed from power-deficit to a power-sufficient nation and as on today, peak demand shortage is zero.

- JAG MOHAN THAKEN

He outlined the importance of continuous cooperation and coordination between Central and the State Governments in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Union Minister in his address mentioned that India’s power system has evolved into a unified national grid, fulfilling the vision of ‘One Nation-One Grid’ and underlined the importance of a future-ready, modern, and financially viable power sector to fuel the country's growth. He highlighted that we successfully met a peak demand of 250 GW in May 2024 and India has transformed from power-deficit to a power-sufficient nation.

Minister Khattar laid emphasis on ensuring resource adequacy and necessary power generation capacity tie-ups. States should, while meeting their resource adequacy plan, also work on having adequate power generation mix including addition of nuclear generation capacity. India’s peak electricity demand is projected to reach 446 GW by 2034-35 and meeting this sustainably requires proactive planning and continued coordination between the Centre, States, and stakeholders.

Minister Khattar mentioned the States should work towards resolving the issues faced in development of Intra-State transmission projects, including RoW issues. States should explore diverse options for financing including from multilateral institutions. The Union Minister informed all present that in the Union Budget 2025-26 allocation of %1.5 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans to support states’ capital expenditures, has been done, which can greatly strengthen the transmission infrastructure.