Union Power Minister Inaugurates Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 in New Delhi
The Minister highlighted massive investment opportunities worth ₹200 lakh crore expected in the power sector over the next two decades
Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the maiden edition of Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, a four-day global conference-cum-exhibition for the power sector, being held from March 19–22 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi under the patronage of the Ministry of Power.
The high-profile inaugural session was attended by Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New & Renewable Energy; Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and NRE; Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power; and Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority.
India’s Energy Transformation Takes Center Stage
Highlighting India’s rapid strides in the power sector, the Union Minister underscored several landmark achievements:
- Achievement of 50% cumulative non-fossil fuel capacity under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) — nearly 5 years ahead of schedule
- Solar capacity surge from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW
- Transition from a power-deficit to power-surplus nation
- Expansion of transmission infrastructure by 72% to over 5 lakh circuit kilometers
- Meeting a peak demand of 250 GW in 2024–25, with readiness for 270 GW and beyond
He also highlighted massive investment opportunities worth ₹200 lakh crore expected in the power sector over the next two decades.
Calling the summit a “Conference of Light,” the Minister said it represents a decisive moment in India’s clean energy journey and global leadership ambitions.
Balanced Energy Transition: Thermal + Renewable
Pralhad Joshi emphasized that while thermal power remains the backbone of India’s energy system, renewable energy is the only sustainable long-term pathway. He stressed the importance of a balanced transition driven by scale, speed, and skill.
Echoing this, Shripad Naik noted that India’s installed power capacity has more than doubled since 2014, with strong participation from citizens:
- 32 lakh households
- 23 lakh farmers
are actively contributing to clean energy generation.
India Builds One of the World’s Largest Grids
Shri Pankaj Agarwal highlighted that India now operates one of the world’s largest synchronized grids, supported by:
- Advanced grid balancing systems
- Large-scale smart meter deployment
- Strong policy frameworks
He emphasized that the next phase of growth will be driven by technology, data, and global partnerships.
Key Reports Released
During the summit, the Ministry of Power unveiled major strategic documents:
- National Resource Adequacy Plan – roadmap for future electricity demand
- Transmission Plan for 900 GW Non-Fossil Capacity (by 2035-36)
The transmission roadmap includes:
- 1,37,500 circuit km of new transmission lines
- 8,27,600 MVA substation capacity
- Estimated investment of ₹7.93 lakh crore
A Truly Global Electricity Platform
The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 is set to be one of the largest global platforms for the power sector, featuring:
- 100+ conference sessions
- 300+ speakers
- Participation from 80+ countries
- 500+ exhibitors (including 100+ startups)
- Over 25,000 visitors
The summit aims to position India as a global hub for affordable, sustainable, and innovative energy solutions.
