Revamping Power Transmission: India's Path to Infrastructure Innovation

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal suggests exploring a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to strengthen India's power transmission infrastructure. He emphasizes localizing supply chains to mitigate global disruptions. Attention is needed to enhance certain transmission systems like HVDC and HVAC to achieve renewable energy targets by 2030.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal indicated that India should consider a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to fortify its power transmission infrastructure. This suggestion was made during the 'Brainstorming Conclave on Indian Power Sector Scenario by 2047' organized by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and Ficci.

Agarwal emphasized the need for industry stakeholders to focus on localizing supply chains for transmission equipment amid global logistical strains. He noted that certain transmission systems, such as HVDC and HVAC, require enhancement despite sufficient existing capacity.

The government aims to build a robust transmission system for evacuating 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil-based energy by 2030. Meanwhile, approximately 1650 GW of renewable capacity waits worldwide for connection, underscoring the urgency of addressing these infrastructure challenges.