The four-day global Conference-cum-Exhibition, Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, was inaugurated at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, by Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.
The inauguration was attended by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India; Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India; Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), among other senior officials.
India’s Power Sector Achievements Highlighted
Manohar Lal talked about India’s most important achievements in his first speech. For example, India reached its Nationally Determined Contribution goal of 50% cumulative non-fossil fuel capacity almost five years ahead of schedule. He also talked about big projects like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the SHANTI Act 2025.
He noted India’s transition from a power-deficit to a power-surplus nation and emphasized the sharp rise in solar capacity from 2.8 GW to over 143 GW. The Minister also underlined investment opportunities of approximately ₹200 lakh crore in the power sector over the next two decades.
Infrastructure Growth and Future Vision
The Minister said that the transmission infrastructure has grown by 72%, and it now covers more than 5 lakh circuit kilometres. He also said that India is ready to meet peak demand above 270 GW. He also talked about projects that would connect energy across borders and under the sea, which could make India a possible global exporter of cheap energy.
He stated, “Today is not just another day, it is a day of resolve for India’s energy transformation. From relying on conventional resources to now returning to the power of the sun, we are completing a full circle. Energy is at the heart of development, and as India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, our focus is on innovation, affordability, and global collaboration. This ‘Conference of Light’ is not just an event, but a movement to take India’s energy leadership to the world.”
Focus on Renewable Energy and Policy Leadership
Pralhad Joshi emphasized that thermal power remains the backbone of the system, while renewable energy represents the most sustainable long-term path. Shripad Naik noted that India’s installed capacity has more than doubled since 2014, with strong participation from households and farmers in clean energy generation.
Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India added, “India’s power sector transformation over the past decade offers a strong global model, driven by policy clarity, scale, and innovation. From near-zero peak deficits to one of the world’s largest synchronized grids, and from falling solar tariffs to smart infrastructure rollout, we are building a system that is efficient, reliable, and investment-ready. The next phase will be defined by technology, data, and global partnerships.”
Strategic Plans and Global Participation
During the session, the Ministry of Power released key reports, including the National Resource Adequacy Plan and a transmission roadmap for integrating over 900 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035-36, with an estimated investment of ₹7.93 lakh crore.
The summit will host over 100 sessions, 300 speakers, participants from 80+ countries, 500 exhibitors, and more than 25,000 visitors, making it one of the world’s largest electricity-focused platforms.
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