India’s Power Sector Roadmap: Target of 1 TW Installed Capacity by 2034

The draft National Electricity Plan (NEP) has projected that India’s total installed power capacity is expected to exceed 1 terawatt (TW) by 2034–35, a significant increase from the current levels of around 450–500 GW. The roadmap includes a mix of renewable energy sources, thermal power, hydro, and emerging technologies, emphasizing sustainable growth and energy security.

This initiative reflects India’s long-term vision of providing reliable electricity access for industrial, commercial, and domestic use, while simultaneously reducing carbon intensity and integrating clean energy technologies.

Importance

1. Meeting Rising Industrial and Consumer Demand

India’s growing economy and industrial base require substantial additional power capacity. A 1 TW target ensures that both manufacturing and service sectors have the energy infrastructure needed to support economic growth and urbanization over the next decade.

2. Supporting Renewable Energy Transition

The plan strongly emphasizes renewable energy deployment, including solar, wind, and hybrid solutions. Expanding installed capacity with a renewable focus helps India:

reduce reliance on fossil fuels,
lower greenhouse gas emissions, and
advance towards net-zero energy transition goals.

3. Climate Commitments & International Obligations

India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement and Net-Zero by 2070 roadmap necessitates a shift to low-carbon energy sources. Increasing capacity with a renewable share will play a key role in meeting nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

4. Grid Modernization and Energy Security

Achieving 1 TW also requires modernization of transmission and distribution networks, smart grid adoption, and energy storage solutions. This ensures grid reliability, reduced transmission losses, and efficient integration of intermittent renewables.

Conclusion

The National Electricity Plan’s 1 TW capacity target represents an ambitious yet necessary trajectory for India’s energy sector. By balancing demand growth, renewable integration, and climate commitments, the roadmap positions India to achieve sustainable, reliable, and resilient energy infrastructure over the next decade.