Capacity of National Electricity Grid being expanded continuously, in line with increasing electricity demand generation capacity: Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister – EQ
In Short : The statement indicates that the capacity of the National Electricity Grid in India is being expanded continuously. This expansion aligns with the increasing demand for electricity generation capacity in the country. It suggests that efforts are underway to strengthen and enhance the infrastructure of the national grid to accommodate the growing demand for power and support the overall energy needs of the nation.
In Detail : The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has informed the details of targets and achievement in respect of Transmission lines (220kV and above) set up in the country in the last five years:
Year | Target Power Line
(in circuit km) |
Actual Power Line
(in circuit km) |
2018-19 | 22,647 | 22,437 |
2019-20 | 23,621 | 11,664 |
2020-21 | 15,791 | 16,750 |
2021-22 | 19,255 | 14,895 |
2022-23 | 14,581 | 14,625 |
2023-24 (Up to October-23) | 11,420 | 7,026 |
Total | 1,07,315 | 87,397 |
The capacity of National Grid is being expanded on a continuous basis commensurate with the increasing electricity demand and increase in generation capacity. On an average about 16,000 circuit km of transmission lines and 75,000 MVA of transformation capacity (220 kV and above voltage level) are being added per year in the country.
As on 31st October 2023, about 179 GW Renewable Energy capacity (including hydro) is installed in the Indian Grid. The details are given below:
Category | Installed Capacity (in MW) |
Solar | 72,018 |
Hydro | 51,837 |
Wind | 44,292 |
Biomass | 10,262 |
Others | 573 |
Total | 1,78,982 |
The National Grid is fully capable of accommodating the generation from existing Renewable Energy capacity.
This information has been given by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh, in a written reply to a question, in Rajya Sabha on December 5, 2023.