Bharat Electricity Summit opens; India spells out Rs 200-lakh-crore investment opportunity in power sector

New Delhi: The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, a four-day global conference-cum-exhibition for the power sector, was inaugurated in New Delhi on Thursday by Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal and Central Electricity Authority Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad were present at the event.

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Rs 200 lakh crore opportunity in power sector

Highlighting India’s progress in the power sector, Manohar Lal said the country has already achieved its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 50 percent cumulative non-fossil fuel-based capacity nearly five years ahead of schedule. He said the sector is expected to see investments of around Rs 200 lakh crore over the next two decades.

The minister also pointed to key milestones, including the transition from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation, expansion of transmission infrastructure by 72 percent to over 5 lakh circuit kilometres, and growth in solar capacity from 2.8 GW to more than 143 GW.

India prepared to meet 270 GW peak power demand this summer: Khattar

India met a peak power demand of 250 GW in 2024–25 and is prepared to meet demand of 270 GW and beyond, he said, adding that the country is positioning itself as a future exporter of affordable energy. “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,” Manohar Lal said.

“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,” he added.

Balanced transition with thermal and renewables

Pralhad Joshi said thermal power will continue to serve as the backbone of the energy system, while renewable energy will drive long-term sustainability. He emphasised the need for a balanced transition supported by scale, speed and skill.

Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik said India’s installed power capacity has more than doubled since 2014, with renewable energy seeing rapid growth. He added that more than 32 lakh households and 23 lakh farmers are contributing to clean energy generation, reflecting a shift towards a participative energy economy.

Grid strength, technology to drive next phase

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said India now operates one of the world’s largest synchronised grids, supported by advanced balancing systems, smart meter deployment and policy frameworks. “India’s power sector transformation over the past decade offers a strong global model, driven by policy clarity, scale, and innovation,” Agarwal said.

“From near-zero peak deficits to one of the world’s largest synchronised 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,” he said. He added that the power sector will be required to be financially viable to attract these investments.

Transmission plan for 900 GW non-fossil capacity

During the event, the Ministry of Power released key reports, including the National Resource Adequacy Plan and a transmission blueprint for integrating over 900 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035–36.

The plan envisages development of 1,37,500 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 8,27,600 MVA of substation capacity, with an estimated investment of Rs 7.93 lakh crore.

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The summit will feature more than 100 conference sessions with over 300 speakers, participation from over 80 countries, more than 500 exhibitors including over 100 startups, and over 25,000 visitors.