Power Sector's Future: Rs 42 Lakh Crore Investment Required by 2030

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal highlighted the urgent need for Rs 42 lakh crore investment in India's power sector by 2030. To meet escalating electricity demands, states propose listing power utilities for funds. High fossil fuel reliance and rising AT&C losses were also discussed at the state power ministers' conference.

In a significant announcement, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal revealed on Tuesday that India would require an investment of Rs 42 lakh crore in the power sector by 2030 to meet the surging electricity demand.

Speaking at a state power ministers' conference, Lal emphasized that with India reaching an unprecedented power demand of 250 GW in May, steps must be taken to ensure sustained energy supply. A substantial 200 GW of this demand is still met with fossil fuels.

Lal stated that certain states, including Gujarat and Haryana, consider listing their power utilities on stock exchanges to generate necessary funding. Despite these proposals, he noted that improvements in rankings are essential for discoms considering public listing, while highlighting a concerning rise in AT&C losses over the past year.

(With inputs from agencies.)