Power Sector Modernization and Reliable Electricity Supply
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Power has released a press release detailing recent achievements and measures for modernizing the power sector and ensuring reliable supply. This is significant as it highlights the addition of substantial power generation capacity, grid expansion, and initiatives for renewable energy integration and storage.
Background
Electricity is a concurrent subject, with distribution handled by state-owned DISCOMs under the guidance of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). The central government, primarily through the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), is responsible for broad planning and brings supportive policies to implement these plans.
Key facts
In FY 2025-26, 9,470 MW of fossil fuel-based and 55,225 MW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity was added.
In 2026, 2,668.54 MW / 7,785.6 MWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) capacity was added.
12,139 circuit kilometers (ckm) of inter-state and intra-state transmission lines were expanded during the same period.
The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) includes an integrated transmission plan to avoid demand exceeding grid capacity, minimize outages, and optimize network expansion.
The plan provides for integration of about 47 GW of BESS by 2031-32 and a roadmap for 100 GW of Pumped Storage Plants (PSP) from 2025-26 to 2035-36.
Green Energy Corridor (GEC) scheme provides budgetary support for inter-state transmission projects for renewable energy integration.
Market reforms like real-time electricity market and flexibility mechanisms have been implemented for efficient resource use.
Under the third amendment to CERC's General Network Access (GNA) Regulations, 2022, connectivity for solar and non-solar periods is provided separately at renewable energy pooling stations.
STATCOMs and SVCs are being deployed for dynamic reactive power adjustment to maintain grid voltage stability.
High ramp rate generation sources like hydro are being used to balance load and generation.
Prelims pointers
- Ministry of Power
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
- Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)
- State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs)
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Pumped Storage Plants (PSP)
- Green Energy Corridor (GEC) scheme
- General Network Access (GNA) Regulations, 2022
- STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator)
- SVC (Static VAR Compensator)
Mains angles
- Discuss the challenges in integrating renewable energy into the grid and the measures taken to address them.
- Critically examine the role of energy storage in ensuring reliable power supply and grid stability.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes like Green Energy Corridor in promoting renewable energy.