SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 13: Climate Action
NITI Aayog | Ministry of Power | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) | Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
The NITI Aayog report, Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero - Sectoral Insights: Power mentions that the power sector is the linchpin of India’s dual goals for 2047 development and 2070 Net Zero. Electricity demand is projected to surge as per capita consumption reaches 7,000–10,000 kWh by 2070, driven by rapid urbanization and the electrification of transport and industry. Renewable energy (RE) is set to become the system’s backbone, with solar and wind potentially accounting for 90–93% of installed capacity by 2070. To maintain grid stability amidst high RE penetration, the roadmap emphasizes a massive scale-up of energy storage and nuclear power, which is targeted to reach 300 GW. While coal remains relevant in the near term, the transition prioritizes modernized grids, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and robust domestic clean-tech manufacturing.
Key Pillars of the Power Sector Transformation
Decarbonized Generation Base: Scaling solar and wind capacity to dominate the mix, supported by 300 GW of nuclear power for clean firm power.
Energy Storage and Grid Stability: Implementing large-scale battery storage and pumped hydro systems to manage the variability of RE.
Modernized Transmission & Distribution: Expanding transmission infrastructure for RE evacuation and accelerating smart grid digitalization.
Distributed Energy Resources: Encouraging decentralized solutions like rooftop solar—making it mandatory for government buildings—and agrivoltaics.
Financial and Regulatory Reform: Improving DISCOM financial health by reducing AT&C losses and moving toward cost-reflective, dynamic pricing.
What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. They are “modular,” meaning their systems and components can be factory-fabricated and transported as a unit to a location for installation. SMRs offer a flexible, clean, and firm power solution that is particularly suited for industrial clusters or regions with smaller grid capacities, supporting India’s goal of reaching 300 GW of nuclear power by 2070.
Policy Relevance
The NITI Aayog roadmap represents a transition from fossil-heavy base load to a “Flexible-Clean” energy architecture. By institutionalizing the Net Zero Scenario, the Ministry of Power is providing a strategic framework to ensure that India’s economic growth is decoupled from carbon emissions while maintaining global industrial competitiveness.
Achieving Energy Security: Scaling domestic RE and nuclear capacity reduces long-term reliance on imported fossil fuels, shielding the economy from global price volatility.
Driving Technological Leadership: Prioritizing SMRs and domestic manufacturing of solar/batteries positions India as a global hub for clean-tech innovation.
Fostering Regional Cooperation: Strengthening cross-border transmission networks allows India to lead a regional electricity market, enhancing overall grid resilience.
Attracting Green Finance: A clear, long-term policy roadmap for 2070 facilitates the mobilization of concessional and blended climate finance for high-upfront-cost projects.
Follow the full report here: NITI Aayog: Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero - Power