India is examining wider use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its power sector to make the electricity grid more reliable, resilient, secure and responsive, Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik said at an event in New Delhi. He said AI would be important in managing the country’s extensive transmission network and improving services for consumers.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Central Electricity Authority’s 53rd Foundation Day brainstorming event. He said the two-day conference would consider how the power sector and the ministry could become AI-enabled, with discussions covering generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy integration and technical safety standards.

The proposed use of AI comes as India adds generation capacity, particularly from renewable sources. Applications under consideration include demand forecasting, monitoring grid operations and integrating solar and wind power into the electricity system. Naik said the government was examining ways to use the technology across the sector to strengthen operations and provide better services, while ensuring that its deployment supports the changing requirements of the electricity network.

India’s total installed power generation capacity has reached 558 gigawatts (GW), including 308 GW from non-fossil fuel sources, or about 55 per cent of the total, according to the minister. The country had committed to achieving a 50 per cent non-fossil fuel share in installed capacity by 2030, but reached that target five years ahead of schedule. He said further expansion through 2030 would require supporting infrastructure as the generation mix changes.

Naik said 77.5 mn smart meters had been installed across India, enabling utilities to understand consumption patterns more effectively and balance generation with demand. The transmission network had expanded to about 500,000 circuit km, strengthening power connectivity across the country. The conference is expected to deliberate on how AI can make this expanding network more efficient, reliable and secure, while improving electricity services for consumers.