Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 11: India’s power sector is witnessing a major expansion, driven by rapidly rising electricity demand, a sharp increase in generation capacity and continued strengthening of the transmission network and renewable energy base, the government said on Friday.

Peak power demand has nearly doubled over the past decade, rising from 135.9 GW in 2013-14 to a record 270.8 GW on May 21, 2026.

The Centre said the sharp increase reflects expanding economic activity and rising electricity consumption among households, industries and businesses.

To meet the growing demand, India’s total installed power generation capacity has increased substantially, from 249 GW in March 2014 to 552 GW by July 2026.

The significant addition in generation capacity has strengthened the country’s ability to meet current electricity requirements while preparing the power system for future demand.

India’s transmission infrastructure has also expanded considerably during the period. The transmission network grew from 2,91,336 circuit kilometres (ckm) in April 2014 to 5,10,594 ckm by July 2026.

The expanded network is helping create a more integrated national grid and improve the movement of electricity between regions, thereby supporting a more reliable power supply.

Alongside the expansion of conventional power infrastructure, India has accelerated its shift towards renewable and other non-fossil energy sources.

According to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India has emerged as the world’s third-largest country in terms of installed renewable energy capacity, behind China and the United States.

As of March 31, 2026, India’s total non-fossil fuel installed capacity stood at 283.46 GW. This comprised 274.68 GW of renewable energy capacity and 8.78 GW of nuclear power capacity.

During 2025-26, India added a record 55.3 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, the highest annual addition recorded so far and nearly double the capacity added in the previous year.

India has also achieved a significant milestone in its climate and energy transition.

In June 2025, non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 50 per cent of the country’s cumulative installed power capacity, enabling India to achieve its Paris Agreement target five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.