Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, inaugurated the ‘Bharat Electricity Summit 2026’, a four-day global conference-cum-exhibition for the power sector, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Power from 19–22 March 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy; Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power; and Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), were also present at the inauguration.

Highlighting key achievements, Manohar Lal noted India’s early attainment of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 50 per cent cumulative non-fossil electric capacity, nearly five years ahead of schedule. He also referred to initiatives such as the SHANTI Act 2025 and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, along with India’s transition from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation. Solar capacity has grown from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW.

The Minister underscored investment opportunities of approximately Rs 200 trillion over the next two decades in the power sector. He highlighted a 72 per cent expansion in transmission infrastructure to over 500,000 circuit kilometres, India meeting 250 GW peak demand in 2024–25, and readiness to meet 270 GW and beyond. He also outlined plans for cross-border energy connectivity and undersea transmission networks, positioning India as a future exporter of affordable energy in its journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

He stated, “Today is not just another day, it is a day of resolve for India’s energy transformation. From relying on conventional resources to now returning to the power of the sun, we are completing a full circle. Energy is at the heart of development, and as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, our focus is on innovation, affordability, and global collaboration. This ‘Conference of Light’ is not just an event, but a movement to take India’s energy leadership to the world.”

Pralhad Joshi emphasised that while thermal power will remain the backbone of the energy system, renewable energy represents the only sustainable long-term pathway, requiring a balanced transition driven by scale, speed, and skill.

Shripad Naik highlighted that India’s installed power capacity has more than doubled since 2014, with renewable energy witnessing exponential growth from 2.8 GW solar capacity to over 143 GW. He noted that over 320,000 households and 230,000 farmers are contributing to clean energy generation, reflecting a shift towards a participative energy economy.

Pankaj Agarwal stated that India now operates one of the world’s largest synchronised grids, supported by advanced balancing systems, large-scale smart meter deployment, and strong policy frameworks.

He added, “India’s power sector transformation over the past decade offers a strong global model, driven by policy clarity, scale, and innovation. From near-zero peak deficits to one of the world’s largest synchronised grids, and from falling solar tariffs to smart infrastructure rollout, we are building a system that is efficient, reliable, and investment-ready. The next phase will be defined by technology, data, and global partnerships.”

During the inaugural session, the Ministry of Power released key strategic reports, including the National Resource Adequacy Plan, outlining a roadmap to meet growing electricity demand through a balanced energy mix, and the Transmission Plan for integration of over 900 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035–36.

The transmission plan envisages 1,37,500 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 8,27,600 MVA substation capacity, with an estimated investment of Rs 7.93 trillion, aimed at ensuring seamless evacuation of renewable energy and strengthening grid resilience.

The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 is a Ministry of Power and industry-led initiative, featuring over 100 conference sessions, more than 300 speakers, participants from over 80 countries, over 500 exhibitors including more than 100 start-ups, and more than 25,000 visitors, making it one of the largest electricity-focused platforms globally.