Expansion of Energy Infrastructure
Raj emphasised that the government is enhancing thermal, nuclear, and energy-storage infrastructure to ensure long-term energy security and meet rising electricity demand. Plans include adding around 97 GW of thermal power capacity over the next five years, with 7-8 GW expected in the current financial year. Additionally, a roadmap is in place to develop nearly 100 GW of nuclear power capacity within the next five to ten years.

India recently achieved a record peak power demand of about 270 GW, demonstrating the resilience of its power system amid geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuations in global energy markets. The government is also backing over 44 GW of battery storage capacity through viability gap funding, with more than 5 GW of battery projects from NTPC in the pipeline.

Support for Carbon Capture Technologies
The Ministry of Power is preparing to present a Rs 20,000 crore support package for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies. Raj stated that a detailed utilization plan will be submitted to the Finance Minister, outlining spending priorities for the next five years. The funding aims to develop a comprehensive CCUS ecosystem, focusing on research and development, carbon capture technologies, storage infrastructure, and carbon utilization projects.

Raj noted that the broader goal is to establish a circular carbon economy, where captured emissions can be transformed into commercially viable products. He also highlighted improvements in the financial health of power distribution companies (DISCOMs), which have reported positive financial outcomes for the first time after years of losses.

Progress in Smart Metering
On the topic of smart metering, Raj mentioned that deployment is advancing nationwide. This initiative is expected to enhance grid management, facilitate the integration of rooftop solar systems, and enable time-of-day electricity tariffs. Industrial and commercial consumers have already been included in many areas, while government buildings and households are being integrated into the program in phases.

Source: Observer Voice