G A
UEST RTICLE
India’s power sector is in the midst
of a transformation, driven by rising
demand for reliable electricity, the
rapid integration of renewable ener-
gy, and the country’s ambitious goal
of achieving net-zero emissions by
2070. At the heart of this transition
lies a critical enabler the transmis-
sion network. To truly power the
future, this network must be modern,
intelligent, and resilient. No matter
how bold our energy ambitions are,
without a future-ready transmission
system, we risk falling short. We can
build vast solar farms in Rajasthan
and harness powerful winds in Guja-
rat, but unless we can move that
energy swiftly, reliably, and
effi-
ciently to homes, factories, and vil-
lages across the country, the energy
revolution will remain incomplete.
Today, India’s total installed power
capacity has reached an impressive
487 GW (as of June 2025), with
nearly 49% coming from non-fossil
fuel sources. Solar energy contrib-
utes 116.2 GW, while wind power
stands at 51.6 GW. These numbers
are not just targets on paper they are
proof that India’s energy transition is
already underway, and it is accelerat-
ing. But generation is only the begin-
ning. The real challenge is ensuring
that
power
reaches
where
it’s
needed, when it’s needed, and does
so without compromising on reli-
ability, stability, or resilience.
The Grid That Connects Ambition
to Reality
India has taken significant steps to
build a transmission network capa-
ble of supporting its growing renew-
able energy capacity. It is building
the base for a clean energy future
through projects like the Green
Energy Corridors. These dedicated
transmission lines are designed to
carry renewable energy from solar
and wind-rich regions to demand
centers across the country., Demon-
strating
India’s
commitment
to
building the necessary backbone for
a sustainable energy system.
We can’t build tomorrow’s transmis-
sion & power system with yester-
day’s mindset. As India’s energy mix
shifts rapidly towards renewables,
our grid needs to do more than just
expand - it must evolve and become
more intelligent and flexible. Unlike
conventional power plants, solar and
wind energy sources are unpredict-
able and spread out. Managing this
variability is a complex task that
requires a smarter, faster, and more
responsive grid.
This is where Digital Substations,
Advanced
Energy
Management
Systems (AEMS), Wide Area Moni-
toring
Systems
(WAMS),
and
Dynamic
Line
Ratings
become
essential. These advanced technolo-
gies allow real-time monitoring,
predictive analysis, and rapid adjust-
ments to keep the grid stable. Smart
substations, automated control cen-
ters, and digital communication tools
will form the nervous system of this
modern transmission network.
India’s One Nation, One Grid, One
Frequency initiative is a remarkable
achievement, showcasing the coun-
try’s ability to create a unified power
system that can seamlessly transfer
electricity across vast distances. But
as we integrate more renewable
energy, this unified grid will need to
handle even more complexity and
operate at greater speeds. The trans-
mission network must not just keep
up it must lead.
Meeting Rising Demand, Building
for Resilience
India’s appetite for electricity is
growing at a staggering pace.
Between 2015–16 and 2024–25,
BUILDING FUTURE-READY TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE
FOR A RESILIENT POWER SECTOR
58 | September 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in