In a remarkable feat of progress, India’s power sector has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade, evolving from a deficit-ridden landscape to one of sufficiency and resilience. Led by visionary initiatives and strategic investments, the nation has achieved unprecedented milestones, bolstering its infrastructure and enhancing accessibility to electricity for all its citizens.
Key to this transformative journey has been the diligent implementation of flagship schemes such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power Development (IPDS), and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana- (SAUBHAGYA). These initiatives, coupled with an investment of 1.85 lakh crores, have illuminated over 18,374 villages and electrified 2.86 crore households, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and empowerment.
With a relentless focus on bolstering generation capacity, India has added a staggering 196,558 MW of power since April 2014, marking a monumental shift towards self-sufficiency. This surge, amounting to a 72.3% increase, has catapulted the nation into the league of power-sufficient nations, ensuring ample availability of electricity for both rural and urban communities.
Notably, advancements in rural electrification have been particularly noteworthy, with power supply hours increasing from 12.5 to 20.6 in rural areas and 23.78 in urban regions. The persistent efforts to bridge the gap between energy requirement and supply have yielded remarkable results, with the deficit plummeting from 4.2% in 2013-14 to a mere 0.3% in 2023-24.
Looking ahead, India remains steadfast in its commitment to meeting the escalating demand for power, as evidenced by the ambitious capacity addition targets outlined for the years ahead. With anticipated thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable energy capacity additions, totaling 469,594 MW by 2031-2032, the nation is poised to further fortify its energy landscape and propel sustainable growth.
Moreover, robust infrastructural enhancements, including the addition of transmission lines, transformation capacity, and inter-regional connectivity, have cemented India’s status as a unified power market. The seamless integration of the country into one grid has not only fostered greater efficiency but also facilitated access to affordable electricity for consumers nationwide.
In tandem with these strides, India’s commitment to renewable energy remains unwavering, with ambitious targets set to augment non-fossil fuel-based generation capacity to over 500,000 MW by 2030. Through the establishment of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks and the implementation of transmission plans, the nation is forging ahead on a path of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
As India charts its course towards a greener, more resilient future, the power sector stands as a beacon of progress, driving inclusive growth and prosperity for all its citizens. With steadfast determination and visionary leadership, the nation is poised to emerge as a global leader in the realm of sustainable energy.
