India invests in 457 GW to meet growing energy demand

India reaches an installed energy capacity of 457 GW in 2023, doubling in a decade. This growth highlights the delicate balance between energy transition and the need to meet rising electricity demand.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

7-Day Pass

Up to 50 articles accessible for 7 days, with no automatic renewal

3 €/week*

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles/month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 30,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

India’s installed energy capacity reached 457 gigawatts (GW) in November 2023, according to figures released by the Federal Ministry of Energy. This represents a significant increase from the 249 GW recorded in 2014, demonstrating the country’s ambitions in the energy sector.

Growth driven by renewables

Since 2014, 129 GW of renewable energy, including hydropower, has been added to India’s energy mix. These additions include 91 GW of solar energy and 27 GW of wind energy. These figures underscore the political will to encourage low-carbon energy sources while ensuring national energy security.

However, this transition to renewable energy is accompanied by a persistent reliance on coal. The country has approved 19.2 GW of new coal-fired thermal plants to meet peak consumption needs. Currently, coal and lignite-based thermal capacity represents 217.5 GW, with an additional 29.2 GW under construction and 36.3 GW in the planning stages.

Massive investments in infrastructure

To address the expected increase in demand, which could reach 458 GW by 2032 compared to around 250 GW in 2024, India is making significant investments in its transmission infrastructure. The national grid will expand to 648,000 circuit kilometers (ckm) by 2032, up from the current 491,000 ckm.

Furthermore, interregional transfer capacity will rise to 168 GW, allowing for better integration of the 280 GW of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) planned by 2030. To date, 42 GW have been completed, 85 GW are under construction, and 75 GW are in the bidding phase.

Untapped potential of pumped storage projects

India has a potential of 181 GW for pumped storage projects (PSP), though only 5 GW have been developed so far. The government aims to add 35 GW by 2032, of which 6 GW are already under construction. These projects are essential for managing fluctuations associated with intermittent renewable energy sources and ensuring a stable supply.

With annual energy demand increasing by 5% to 6%, the government must continue to balance investments between economic growth, energy transition, and political stability.

A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.

All the latest energy news, all the time

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

7 DAY PASS

Up to 50 items can be consulted for 7 days,
without automatic renewal

3€/week*

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.