The Ministry of Power concluded its two-day Chintan Shivir 2026 on January 23 in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, setting a clear direction for India’s future power and energy storage strategy. The event brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), regulators, CPSEs, state governments, and industry leaders to deliberate on long-term reforms required for a resilient, affordable, and clean power sector.
The Shivir was attended by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, along with senior policymakers and experts.
Key Focus Areas of Chintan Shivir 2026
Discussions during the two days focused on major policy and structural reforms, including:
- Draft Electricity Amendment Bill, 2026 to improve financial viability and competitiveness
- Draft National Electricity Policy, 2026 aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047
- Accelerated deployment of nuclear power
- Long-term reforms in the power distribution sector
- Optimisation of transmission, distributed energy resources, and energy storage
- Reducing litigation through regulatory clarity and faster dispute resolution
The discussions aimed to strengthen the financial health of the power sector, improve ease of doing business, and ensure consumer-centric growth.
CEA Releases Roadmap for 100 GW Pumped Storage Projects
A key highlight of the Shivir was the release of the CEA report titled “Roadmap to 100 GW of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) by 2035–36.”
The report outlines India’s plan to address rising energy storage needs driven by the rapid expansion of non-fossil fuel capacity, targeted at 500 GW by 2030 and 701 GW by 2035.
According to the CEA:
- India’s energy storage requirement is projected to reach 62 GW by 2029–30
- This is expected to rise sharply to 161 GW by 2034–35
- Long-duration storage will become critical beyond 2030, leading to a target of 100 GW PSP capacity by 2035–36
The report highlights pumped storage as a proven, clean, large-scale, and long-life energy storage solution that relies largely on indigenous technologies. It also assesses state-wise potential, current project status, and proposes a phased capacity addition plan. Special emphasis has been placed on promoting off-stream closed-loop pumped storage projects to enhance grid stability.
Power Distribution Rankings Released
The 14th Integrated Rating and Ranking Report of Power Distribution Utilities was also released during the event.
- 65 power distribution utilities were assessed for FY 2024–25
- 31 utilities achieved A+ or A ratings
- Torrent Power Ahmedabad and Torrent Power Surat topped the overall rankings
- Among state-owned utilities, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) emerged as the best performer
Concluding the Shivir, Shri Manohar Lal urged all stakeholders to work closely for the timely implementation of reforms. He emphasised that strong coordination between the Centre, States, industry, utilities, and institutions is essential to position India as a global leader in the power and energy storage sector.
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