By IETeam 
India is on the cusp of a transformative journey in its energy sector, with the government laying out ambitious plans to boost power generation and transmission infrastructure. As part of its goal to ensure 24×7 electricity for all by 2025, the nation is investing heavily in sustainable and robust energy systems. This initiative aligns with India’s broader developmental and environmental objectives.
Enhancing Power Generation Capacity
India’s power generation capacity has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with the total installed capacity now exceeding 426 GW as of 2023. To meet rising demand, the government plans to further augment this capacity by commissioning new projects across thermal, hydro, and renewable energy sectors. The focus remains on achieving a balance between conventional energy sources and clean energy initiatives.
The Ministry of Power has outlined strategies to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hybrid systems. The goal is to ensure that non-fossil fuel sources contribute 50% of the power generation mix by 2030, as committed under the Paris Agreement.
Strengthening Transmission Infrastructure
A robust transmission network is the backbone of a reliable power supply. India is addressing challenges such as power losses and transmission bottlenecks by investing in advanced grid systems and upgrading existing infrastructure.
Key projects include the Green Energy Corridor, which will facilitate the transmission of renewable energy from generation sites to consumption centers. Additionally, the government is deploying advanced technology like high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability and efficiency.
Ensuring Rural Electrification
While urban centers enjoy a relatively stable power supply, rural areas often face outages and limited access. As part of the “Power for All” initiative, the government is prioritizing electrification in remote and underserved regions. Programs such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) have already electrified over 28 million households since their inception.
The next phase involves modernizing rural grids and promoting decentralized renewable energy systems, such as microgrids and solar home systems. These efforts aim to provide uninterrupted power to every household, enhancing the quality of life and enabling economic growth in rural India.
Investments and Policy Support
Achieving 24×7 power supply requires substantial investments. The central government has allocated significant funds and rolled out favorable policies to attract private sector participation. Initiatives such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) are designed to improve the financial health of power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and reduce aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses.
Moreover, the government’s focus on digitalization and smart metering is expected to streamline billing, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance consumer satisfaction. Policies promoting “Make in India” for manufacturing solar panels, batteries, and other critical components are also boosting the domestic energy ecosystem.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
India’s commitment to sustainable development is reflected in its efforts to balance energy demand with environmental conservation. The country is actively phasing out older, polluting coal plants and replacing them with supercritical and ultra-supercritical thermal units, which are more efficient and emit less CO2.
Furthermore, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is set to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, such as industry and transportation, by using clean electricity to produce hydrogen. These initiatives demonstrate India’s resolve to transition towards a greener, low-carbon future.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite significant progress, challenges remain. DISCOMs continue to grapple with financial issues, which can delay projects and affect service quality. Additionally, the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources poses technical hurdles, necessitating advancements in storage and grid management.
Land acquisition, environmental clearances, and regional disparities in power infrastructure development are other obstacles that need urgent attention.
In summary, India’s ambitious drive to ensure 24×7 power for all by 2025 is a bold step toward becoming a global energy leader. While challenges persist, the government’s focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and policy reforms underscores its commitment to achieving this goal.
As the country strides toward energy independence, the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and citizens will be crucial in lighting up every corner of India. With robust planning and execution, India is poised to set an example for the world in delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all.