The Ministry of Power (MoP) has proposed a new framework to improve transparency, accessibility, and standardisation of electricity sector data in India, including key renewable energy datasets. Under the draft National Electricity Data Sharing Framework (NEDSF), 2026, the ministry has invited stakeholder comments on creating a structured ecosystem for sharing power sector information.
The proposed framework aims to address challenges related to fragmented data systems, inconsistent formats, limited interoperability, and the absence of a unified approach for electricity data sharing. According to the ministry, better access to reliable data will support energy planning, research, innovation, and policymaking as India continues its transition toward a cleaner energy system.
For the renewable energy sector, the draft framework proposes making several datasets publicly available under the “Tier-1 Public” category. These include state-wise renewable energy installed capacity by technology, renewable energy generation data, aggregated renewable energy statistics, state-level generation mix, and annual energy balance summaries.
The ministry said these datasets can be shared publicly as they do not create significant risks related to operational security, privacy, or national interests. The move is expected to benefit renewable energy developers, researchers, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders by improving access to critical sector information.
National Electricity Data Centre and Portal Proposed
A major feature of the draft framework is the proposed establishment of a National Electricity Data Centre (NEDC) and a National Electricity Data Portal (NEDP). These platforms would serve as central systems for storing, discovering, and accessing electricity sector datasets.
The framework proposes that participating entities publish data in standardised and machine-readable formats to improve usability and integration. While adoption of the framework will remain voluntary, entities choosing to participate will need to follow defined data-sharing standards.
The ministry highlighted that electricity data will play an increasingly important role in supporting India’s clean energy transition. Improved data availability could help in planning electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency programmes, climate reporting, and green finance initiatives.
Focus on Secure Data Sharing
The draft framework also includes measures to protect sensitive information. It proposes a two-tier classification system consisting of public datasets and access-controlled datasets that require registration and verification.
Certain critical information, including cyber defence details, real-time strategic power system data, and power exchange bidding information before market clearing, will remain excluded from public access.
The ministry has also proposed that consumer-related and personally identifiable information must be anonymised before publication or sharing. Techniques such as aggregation, tokenisation, and anonymisation will be encouraged to ensure data privacy.
Support for AI and Research Ecosystem
The framework also recognises the growing role of artificial intelligence and innovation in the power sector. Data issuers may create Secure Data Environments (SDEs) to support research activities and technology development.
The draft suggests that Indian AI developers and startups may receive preferential access to certain datasets to encourage innovation in areas related to energy management, forecasting, and grid optimisation.
Implementation Timeline
Under the proposed roadmap, data providers would need to publish detailed metadata catalogues within 12 months of adopting the framework. All public datasets would be made discoverable through the National Electricity Data Centre within 18 months.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) will be responsible for developing data structures and format specifications to ensure consistency across the sector.
For India’s renewable energy industry, where accurate data is increasingly important for investment decisions, capacity planning, and policy development, the proposed NEDSF could become a major step toward creating a more transparent and data-driven electricity ecosystem.
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