New Delhi: India’s rapid Renewable Energy (RE) expansion must now be matched by a parallel transformation of its power grid, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on Wednesday. Addressing the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam after visiting the International Solar Alliance (ISA) pavilion, the minister said the energy transition must be matched by a grid transition, building flexible, digital and intelligent grids powered by data-driven forecasting and real-time optimisation.
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“As distributed renewables expand rapidly, the focus is shifting from merely adding capacity to integrating millions of decentralised assets into a stable, reliable grid,” he noted, underlining the need for stronger transmission infrastructure, modernised distribution networks and real-time monitoring systems.
“Wind does not blow always and sun does not shine the entire 24 hours. Keeping that in mind, so when more generation is happening, when less generation is happening, and how we should manage our grid. For this technology, this AI-driven technology, a digital twin can be of help,” said Joshi.
The minister reviewed technology-led innovations at the ISA pavilion advancing the Global Mission on AI for Energy. The pavilion showcased practical, scaleable models demonstrating how Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital platforms and geospatial tools can modernise utilities, accelerate renewable energy integration and strengthen energy resilience across ISA Member Countries.
The India AI Impact Summit spotlighted the Global Mission on AI for Energy as a platform driving convergence between solar deployment and digital intelligence, enabling real-time optimisation and smarter grid management.
With 125 Member and signatory countries, the International Solar Alliance provides a global platform to scale replicable clean energy solutions. Through the Global Mission on AI for Energy, ISA is fostering the fusion of solar energy and digital intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence, the statement noted, can enhance load forecasting, predictive maintenance, grid optimisation and renewable integration, improving efficiency, affordability and resilience.
Highlighting India’s solar expansion, Joshi noted that capacity has grown from less than 3 GW in 2014 to over 141 GW today, positioning the country among the fastest-growing solar markets globally. Solar energy, he said, has become central to India’s development strategy and energy security framework.
A defining achievement of this journey has been the “democratisation of solar energy.” Under PM-KUSUM, lakhs of solar pumps are reducing diesel dependence and ensuring reliable daytime power supply for farmers, while feeder-level solarisation is improving supply quality and lowering distribution losses.
Similarly, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, targeting one crore households, is poised to become the world’s largest rooftop solar programme, transforming consumers into prosumers and strengthening distributed energy systems nationwide.
Joshi emphasised that India’s solar success is “not merely about megawatts installed but about empowering citizens, supporting farmers, strengthening utilities, and building resilient infrastructure.”
Among the key innovations presented at the ISA pavilion was the “One Solar App,” developed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, which streamlines rooftop solar adoption through digital registration, transparent net-metering processes, performance tracking and integrated service delivery.
The pavilion also showcased digital twin solutions for DISCOMs, enabling real-time simulation of electricity distribution networks, renewable integration modelling, predictive maintenance and scenario-based planning to reduce technical losses and investment risks.
Geospatial mapping initiatives, including those undertaken by Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, were highlighted for providing asset-level visibility and infrastructure optimisation. GIS-enabled planning strengthens outage management, capital allocation and preparedness for higher renewable penetration.
States such as Delhi, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are advancing digitisation, smart metering and digital control systems, reducing losses and enabling higher renewable penetration, offering lessons for developing nations seeking to modernise their power sectors.
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The convergence of solar, storage, smart grids and AI will define the future global energy system, the minister said, adding that India stands ready to partner with ISA Member Countries to advance a cleaner, smarter and more inclusive energy future.