Central Electricity Authority (CEA) successfully concluded its two-day Brainstorming Conclave on the ‘Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047’, presenting a comprehensive plan for the growth of the country’s power sector over the next two decades.
The event, held on October 14 and 15, 2024 in New Delhi, brought together more than 1,500 delegates, including senior officials and industry leaders, reflecting its vast industry-wide significance.
The event featured discussions on critical topics such as expanding hydropower capacity, integrating energy storage systems, developing modern distribution systems, fostering cross-border energy cooperation, etc. Sessions also highlighted the importance of capacity building, financing the energy transition, and the role of green hydrogen in achieving India’s ambitious energy targets.
Dignitaries
Union Cabinet Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, inaugurated the event on October 14, 2024, outlining the government’s strategy to meet the country’s burgeoning energy needs while transitioning to cleaner sources of power.
In addition, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, who was joined by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power; Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation; Prashant Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Shri R.V. Shahi, Former Secretary, Ministry of Power, spoke during the inaugural session emphasising the need for meticulous planning to align the power sector with emerging priorities.
Besides, Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary, MNRE, K. R. Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Kerala, RP Gupta, CMD, SECI, Alok, Addl. Chief Secretary (Power), Govt. of. Rajasthan, along with Chief Secretaries and other senior government officials from central and state governments spoke during the day-one of the event. The event also saw Alok Kumar, and Former Power Secretary Government of India, among other senior dignitaries sharing their views on the power sector scenario.
Pivotal role of power sector
During the valedictory session, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, through video message, emphasized the pivotal role of the power sector in India’s economic growth. He stated, “The power sector will be at the centre of this journey with our bold vision of transforming India into a global economic superpower. It is not only a pillar of development but also a catalyst for the well-being of our people.”
Plenary sessions
The key takeaway of the two-day conclave was presented by the session moderators from EY and KPMG. It was a perfect culmination of collaboration between private, public and government sector to achieve a common goal.
EY facilitated in-depth discussions on the critical role of base load plants in India’s energy transition, emphasizing their importance in maintaining energy security. Additionally, they contributed valuable insights on capacity building, human resource development, and the need for advancing R&D to support the sector’s future.
KPMG provided strategic guidance on financing the energy transition by 2047, underscoring the financial pathways needed to meet India’s ambitious goals. Their sessions also focused on developing a modern, resilient, and future-ready transmission system and fostering cross-border trade and energy markets for a seamless regional transition.
The conclave was organised in collaboration with the stakeholders, reflecting its broad industry. The programme partners include the Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP), FICCI, ASSOCHAM, EPTA, IEEMA, ISGF, APP and various power sector utilities.
Roadmap to 2047
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA, highlighted the significance of the event in his closing remarks: “This marks the beginning of discussions about a roadmap to 2047 – 100th year of our independence.”
Prasad also outlined plans for implementing the conclave’s recommendations: “We may have a task force of experts for each recommendation to drill down to the finest details and evolve action points that can truly take us forward and ensure these recommendations are implemented in reality.”
CEA’s crucial role
Jishnu Barua, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), highlighted the pivotal role of the CEA in shaping India’s power sector. He stated, “The CEA has been a cornerstone in India’s power sector evolution, guiding its growth from thermal generation to clean energy technologies. As we look toward 2047, CEA’s role remains crucial in balancing affordability, sustainability, and reliability.”
As the CEA celebrates its Golden Jubilee, this conclave marks a significant milestone in its journey to lead India’s power sector into a new era of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. The event reaffirms the CEA’s commitment to driving India’s energy transition in partnership with all stakeholders, ensuring that the country’s energy future is both secure and sustainable.
On the right track
Praveer Sinha, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Tata Power Company, addressed the concerns surrounding India’s ambitious energy targets. He stated, “We often hear concerns about meeting India’s ambitious target of 500 GW by 2030, but our progress tells a different story. From 100 GW in 2000 to over 440 GW today, we’ve consistently doubled our capacity every decade. With industry, government, and regulators aligned, I’m confident we’re on the right track.”
Successful event
Organised in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Central Board of Irrigation & Power (CBIP), the conclave served as a platform for insightful discussions and strategic planning as India continues its journey toward a sustainable and resilient power sector.
The successful conclusion of the Brainstorming Conclave sets the stage for India to achieve its ambitious target of 2,100 GW of capacity by 2047, underpinning the nation’s vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse whilst maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
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Featured photograph (source: CEA Youtube channel) shows Union power minister Manohar Lal delivering his address on the inaugural day of CEA’s Brainstorming Conclave.
