Manohar Lal Khattar: India's Power Sector Embraces Innovation and Global Partnerships
Synopsis
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announces India's commitment to innovation, affordability, and collaboration in the power sector. The nation has rapidly advanced in renewable energy, achieving major milestones ahead of schedule.
Key Takeaways
Focus on Innovation: India's power sector is dedicated to modern advancements.
Surpassing Renewable Goals: Achieved 50% non-fossil fuel capacity ahead of schedule.
Significant Investments: Rs 200 lakh crore anticipated in the next 20 years.
Solar Expansion: Capacity grew from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW.
Global Collaboration: Aiming to become a leader in affordable energy exports.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Union Minister of Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced on Thursday that India's energy sector is now dedicated to innovation, affordability, and global collaboration. Speaking at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, he emphasized the country's swift evolution in the energy domain.
“We have surpassed our goal of achieving 50 percent cumulative non-fossil fuel electricity capacity well ahead of the anticipated timeline,” he remarked.
Khattar highlighted significant government initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the SHANTI Act 2025, which are pivotal in expediting the transition to clean energy.
“India has transformed from being a power-deficit nation to a power-surplus one, showcasing robust growth in renewable energy,” the minister pointed out.
“Our solar capacity has surged dramatically from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW in recent years,” he stated.
Moreover, he indicated that the nation is gearing up to address the escalating electricity demand, projecting peak demand to exceed 270 GW after successfully managing 250 GW in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Khattar also stated that India's power sector is poised to attract substantial investments of approximately Rs 200 lakh crore over the next two decades.
“We are focused on enhancing transmission infrastructure, establishing cross-border energy connectivity, and even developing undersea transmission networks, with a long-term vision of becoming a global provider of affordable energy,” he explained.
The four-day global conference and exhibition at Yashobhoomi has convened policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from around the globe to deliberate on the future of the power sector.
Referring to the summit as a “Conference of Light,” the minister affirmed India's dedication to spearheading the global energy transition.
He reiterated that energy will be crucial in India's quest to emerge as a developed nation by 2047.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also addressed the audience, acknowledging that while thermal power remains vital, renewable energy is the only sustainable pathway forward.
He underscored the necessity for a balanced transition, backed by scale, speed, and skill.
Point of View
It is evident that India's energy landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The government's commitment to renewable energy and international collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the quest for sustainability and energy independence.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What major initiatives are driving India's energy transformation?
Key initiatives include the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the SHANTI Act 2025, which aim to accelerate the clean energy transition.
How much is India investing in its power sector?
India's power sector is expected to attract investments of around Rs 200 lakh crore over the next two decades.
What is India's current solar capacity?
India's solar capacity has increased significantly from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW in recent years.
What is the projected peak electricity demand for India?
The projected peak electricity demand for India is expected to exceed 270 GW.
How is India planning to enhance its energy infrastructure?
India is focusing on expanding transmission infrastructure and developing cross-border energy connectivity.
