India’s non-fossil energy capacity has crossed 300 GW, marking a significant shift in the power sector as grid management and transmission expansion emerge as key challenges, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said on Thursday. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 2nd Indian Power Sector Conference in New Delhi. Agarwal said the government had moved a Cabinet note for inter-ministerial consultation on a new power policy. The policy is being framed in response to changing sector requirements and the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047, replacing the existing policy issued in 2005 when shortages, limited flexibility and restricted access were the primary concerns. The Power Secretary said the sector now required financially sustainable, self-reliant and technology-driven distribution companies. He also stressed the need to promote open access to improve the competitiveness of Indian industry and encourage a shift towards green power. Agarwal said fluctuations in the grid were inevitable, but better use of existing transmission infrastructure would be important. He indicated that using about 60 per cent of grid capacity amid such fluctuations could represent a sound strategy, while smart meter chip developers and manufacturers were working on domestically designed products that would be tested and validated before commercial production. On coal availability, Agarwal said unusual rainfall patterns had affected supplies from producing regions even as electricity demand remained elevated in consuming areas. Coal-based electricity generation demand was more than 14 per cent higher in September, while Coal India, captive mining companies and commercial producers were working to improve supplies. More than 440 coal rakes were being received daily, and the secretary said there was no current logistics constraint. An option to import 654 MW through the power market had also been provided, excluding the 1800-2400 hours period, allowing imports for 18 hours a day. The proposed policy will address flexibility, grid management, transmission expansion, distribution reforms and greater industry participation through open access.