India estimates 300 GW power demand next year, backs local clean-energy manufacturing
By Sethuraman N R
India will need to prepare for peak power demand of about 300 gigawatts next year, Power Minister Manohar Lal said late on Wednesday, while urging faster development of domestic clean-energy supply chains.
India has already met a record peak demand of about 271 gigawatts and demand could rise to 276-280 GW this year before approaching 300 GW next year, Lal said at India Energy Storage Week.
“As data centres expand, AI adoption increases and EV usage grows, demand will continue to rise every year,” he said, adding that preparations would be needed for demand of around 300 GW next year.
The minister said the expected increase in electricity consumption would require greater investment in energy storage and grid infrastructure as India continues to expand renewable energy capacity.
He also called for faster use of local equipment used in clean-energy projects, saying India should reduce import dependence even if domestic manufacturing initially raised costs.
India still imports a range of components used in solar and energy-storage projects, including cells and batteries.
“Nothing is bigger than the country,” Lal said, citing the need to conserve foreign exchange and strengthen energy security amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Lal’s comments come as India seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing across renewable energy and energy-storage supply chains, while reducing reliance on overseas suppliers.
The minister also linked the push for self-reliance to growing geopolitical uncertainty, citing recent tensions in West Asia and volatility in global energy markets.
“Whether it is power, petroleum or gas, we need to develop our own capabilities within the country,” Lal said.
India has introduced a series of measures in recent years to encourage domestic manufacturing and expand renewable energy capacity.
This article has been republished from The Reuters.