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India’s Power Sector to Unlock Rs 200 Lakh Crore Investment Potential Over Next 20 Years: Power Minister

India’s power sector is set to offer investment opportunities worth nearly Rs200 lakh crore over the next two decades, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal stated during his keynote address at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026. The outlook is driven by rapid capacity expansion, grid modernisation, and increasing energy demand.

Highlighting the sector’s progress, the minister noted that India’s transmission network has expanded by around 72%, crossing 5 lakh circuit kilometres. The country successfully met a peak demand of 250 GW in 2024–25 and is well-positioned to handle demand of 270 GW and beyond. He also pointed to emerging opportunities such as cross-border electricity trade and undersea transmission systems, which could strengthen India’s position as a global supplier of affordable energy.

Emphasising the broader vision, he remarked that energy remains central to India’s development journey, with a growing focus on innovation, cost efficiency, and international collaboration as the country moves towards its 2047 development goals.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi underlined the importance of maintaining a balanced energy mix, stating that while thermal power will continue to provide stability, renewable energy is key to long-term sustainability. He stressed the need to scale up deployment with speed and efficiency.

Minister of State Shripad Naik highlighted the sector’s rapid growth, noting that India’s installed power capacity has more than doubled since 2014. Solar capacity alone has surged from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW, while millions of households and farmers are now actively contributing to clean energy generation, reflecting a shift towards a more decentralised and participatory energy ecosystem.

Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, added that India now operates one of the largest synchronised power grids globally, supported by advanced grid management systems, widespread smart meter deployment, and strong policy support. He emphasised that the sector’s transformation—marked by improved reliability, lower deficits, and falling renewable tariffs—has created a strong foundation for future investments.

During the event, the Ministry of Power also unveiled key strategic documents, including the National Resource Adequacy Plan and a transmission roadmap to integrate over 900 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035–36. The plan outlines the addition of 1,37,500 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 8,27,600 MVA of substation capacity, with an estimated investment of Rs7.93 lakh crore, aimed at ensuring efficient power evacuation and enhancing grid resilience.