India pushes renewable growth with AI-driven grids and massive transmission build-out

India’s industrialisation is now being driven by electrification and renewable sources, with solar, batteries and electric vehicles reshaping its growth model. Installed generation capacity has topped 500 GW, allowing the nation to meet record peak demand of roughly 250 GW and shrink the supply shortfall to near zero by FY2025-26. However, the transmission network lags behind, requiring an estimated 61,411 km of new interstate lines by FY2029-30 to link renewable clusters in states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu and offshore wind zones to major demand centres.

Companies like Resonia, spun off from Sterlite Power, and Serentica Renewables are using artificial intelligence, machine-learning forecasts and drone-based line stringing to cut costs and accelerate build-out. Despite these efforts, about 50 GW of renewable capacity remains unconnected, and a financial consultancy projects a need for roughly 4.91 trillion rupees (about $59 billion) in transmission upgrades between 2027 and 2032. Officials stress that integrating generation, storage and smart grid technologies is essential for meeting the country’s energy needs and achieving its goal of becoming a major exporter of green electricity.