Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday highlighted India’s expanding role in the global energy transition, stating that the country is rapidly scaling up renewable energy capacity, smart grid infrastructure and energy storage systems to build a future-ready power sector.
Addressing the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Gurugram, Khattar said the launch of a new centre under the BRICS energy cooperation framework marks a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration among member countries.
“The launch of this centre marks an important step in BRICS energy cooperation. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthen collaborations, promote innovation and build reliable and future-ready energy systems,” the minister said.
Highlighting the evolving nature of global power systems, Khattar noted that electricity grids are undergoing a major transformation as renewable energy becomes central to the energy transition.
“Power systems across the world have faced growing challenges. Today, with renewable energy becoming a central part of the energy transition, this approach is changing. The grid of the future will manage real-time demand, integrate large amounts of renewable energy, support energy storage and empower consumers through digital technologies,” he said.
The minister said India has emerged as one of the world’s leading countries in solar and wind energy deployment and is undertaking large-scale reforms to modernise its power sector.
“Today, India is among the world’s leading countries in solar and wind energy deployment. Recognising this imperative, India is implementing one of the world’s largest smart metering programmes to accelerate power sector digitalisation and improve grid efficiency,” he added.
On energy storage, Khattar outlined India’s long-term plans, saying the country is targeting nearly 100 gigawatts (GW) of pumped storage capacity against an estimated potential of 260 GW.
“In energy storage, India is pursuing an ambitious roadmap with a target of nearly 100 GW of pumped storage capacity against an identified potential of 260 GW. India is also targeting around 80 GW of battery storage systems,” he said.
India’s energy agenda under its BRICS presidency is focused on three key priorities: energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.
The BRICS grouping currently comprises 11 countries and represents nearly half of the world’s population and about 40 per cent of global GDP.
According to the Ministry of Power, the meeting is expected to deepen cooperation among member nations on energy security, innovation and sustainable development, while promoting practical collaboration towards secure, affordable and future-ready energy systems.
(With ANI inputs)
