As the Indian power sector enters the next phase of growth, capacity additions and a growing focus on reforms and digitalisation are reshaping the landscape. At the same time, greater emphasis is being placed on system reliability, flexibility and efficiency.
India’s installed power capacity has crossed 509 GW, with renewable energy capacity, including large hydro, at about 254 GW – nearly half of the total. While renewable additions continue at scale, thermal power remains essential for meeting baseload demand and maintaining grid stability. Nuclear power is expected to gain momentum in the coming years. The recently introduced SHANTI bill marks a major policy shift by allowing private participation in India’s nuclear power sector, supporting the government’s vision of achieving 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. Energy storage is emerging as a key enabler of the ongoing energy transition. Pumped storage projects and battery energy storage
systems are gaining traction as tools to manage renewable variability and support round-the-clock supply.
To support the evolving generation mix, the transmission network is expanding and modernising rapidly. India’s transmission system now spans over 490,000 ckt km and 1,350 GVA of transformation capacity. Investments are focused on strengthening evacuation infrastructure and enhancing grid resilience. Advanced technologies such as wide area management systems, phasor measurement units
and high-voltage direct current systems are being increasingly deployed. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and internet of things-based tools are improving real-time monitoring, grid visibility and operational efficiency.
The distribution segment, however, remains the weakest link in the entire value chain. The cumulative losses of distribution utilities have crossed Rs 6.9 trillion, while all-India AT&C losses stand at 16.16 per cent in 2024–25, with wide variations across the states. Meanwhile, reform efforts are gathering
pace. Over 50 million smart meters have been installed across the country, supporting improvements in billing efficiency, loss reduction and demand management. The recently issued draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to increase competition, rationalise cross-subsidies and strengthen regulatory accountability in distribution.
Overall, the next phase of growth will be defined by the scale-up of storage and nuclear capacity, the strengthening of transmission networks and the effective implementation of distribution reforms. Power Line will continue to closely track these developments as the Indian power sector keeps evolving in the years ahead.
This month’s issue includes a special post-show coverage of TransTech India 2025. The second edition of Power Line ‘s trade show, TransTech India Exhibition and Conference, held on December 10-12, 2025 at the Yashobhoomi India International Convention Centre in New Delhi, received a tremendous industry response. The event, which was almost double in terms of exhibition area and attendance, featured interesting discussions, debates and technology advances in the transmission sector. Our special section features the key takeaways from the event.