India is set to make a significant leap in its energy transition by 2030, with plans to implement 40GW of battery storage and 90GW of pump storage capacity, focusing on key states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. Srikant Nagulapalli, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Power, announced these ambitious plans at the IEEMA Industry Conclave 2024 in Delhi.

The inaugural event, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA) and themed "Moving Towards an All-Electric Future ? Partnering India?s Energy Transition," brought together industry leaders and government officials to discuss the future of India's energy sector. The country currently has an installed power capacity exceeding 440GW, with plans to add another 350GW by 2030, reflecting India's rapid progress in power generation.

Nagulapalli emphasised India's commitment to sourcing 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, with a target of achieving 500GW from non-fossil sources, including 225GW from solar and wind. He highlighted the pivotal role that states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat will play in this green energy push, particularly in advancing green hydrogen initiatives.

Other industry leaders also highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and innovation to support India's ambitious energy goals. Hamza Arsiwala, President, IEEMA, noted that India is now the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity globally, underscoring the country's rapid economic growth. Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director, Sterlite Power, described the ongoing changes in the energy sector as an "Energy Revolution" and emphasised the importance of a strong power grid in facilitating this transformation.

Deepak Sharma, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric, stressed the need for balancing growth with environmental sustainability, highlighting the crucial role of energy efficiency in India's development from 'Vikas' to 'Viksit'. The event also addressed challenges in local manufacturing, with Kamran Rizvi, Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, emphasising the need for technological advancement to reduce import dependency.

The IEEMA Industry Conclave 2024 underscored the collective efforts needed to drive a sustainable power system in India, with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat at the forefront of this green energy surge.

(ET)