India’s Power Capacity Saw 87% Growth in Last 11 Years, RE Capacity Grew by 2.81 Times: Power Minister at ‘Elecrama’

India has witnessed a remarkable growth in its total installed power capacity with an 87% growth in the last 11 years and has also increased its renewable energy capacity by 2.81 times since the last decade, Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal Khattar said on Saturday.

The Union Minister was present at the inaugural session of ‘Elecrama 2025’, that is being hosted by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA). While addressing the occasion, Khattar also mentioned that the power sector of the country currently contributes US$ 1.5 trillion to the economy.

“To achieve this goal, we will have to increase our speed. If we want to make the power sector a growth engine of this transformation, then we will have to inspire not only the country but also the people of the world”, he said.

Stating India’s renewable energy targets of 500 GW by 2030, the Minister also said that the largest ever capacity addition including renewable energy and transmission expansion are currently underway.

He further said that India’s solar energy capacity has also increased by 38 times since 2014 and that is a proof that India is racing ahead in terms of their clean energy targets.

However he emphasised that it is necessary to increase our production capacity. “I have talked about new technology and innovations. We will have to move ahead in that direction and make advanced power electronics – efficient transformers, power converters, smart grid solutions, etc.”, he added.

He also touched upon the need to enhance the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with focus on fast chargers, battery swapping stations, vehicle to grid, etc.