New Delhi: India's peak power demand is set to hit a new high of 300 GW next year on the back of rapid expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles, Power Minister Manohar Lal said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 12th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2026 in the national capital, the minister highlighted that according to estimates, India has already reached (peak power demand of) 271 GW, and projections suggest the peak may rise even further this year.
India's peak power demand jumped to a record high of 270.82 GW in May 2026, according to power ministry data.
India's available capacity has grown to 284 GW, which enables us to meet all types of demand, the minister said.
But with the accelerating pace of electrification, we must prepare for 300 GW peak demand next year, he pointed out.
"India's peak power demand is set to reach 300 gigawatts next year, driven by the rapid expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles."
As people's needs rise, energy storage becomes a national imperative, ensuring the power generated can be used whenever and wherever it is needed, he noted.
Reflecting on India's energy journey, the minister said energy is constant, but today, the principle is evolving; power can be stored.
While earlier, consumption happened instantly upon generation, now, through advanced storage and grid solutions, we can shift and utilise energy according to our needs, he stated.
The minister further emphasised the country's commitment to environmental reforms and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, noting that non-fossil fuel capacity has soared from 81 GW to 291 GW in just over a decade.
The minister also underscored the necessity of indigenisation and self-reliance.
'Vocal for Local' and 'Make in India' are crucial for the power sector, especially in solar cells, batteries, and containers, he noted.
Touching on global collaborations, the minister referenced the 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' vision, highlighting India's efforts to build transnational green energy corridors, including a proposed 1,600-kilometre undersea cable to the UAE with an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore, and expansion plans for connections to Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Europe.
He emphasised that as the world moves to green energy, India's leadership in storage, manufacturing, and R&D will benefit not just the nation, but the world.
Vinayak Walimbe, Managing Director, Customized Energy Solutions, said the scale and speed of India's battery storage expansion are truly remarkable.
This year alone, "we have seen an 11-fold jump in installed BESS capacity, he added.
Organised by the India Energy Storage Alliance, the three-day event is expected to bring together over 200 exhibitors and more than 10,000 industry leaders for policy discussion, technical exchange, and announcements that will define India's clean energy transition.
Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), said India is targeting around 160 GW of storage by 2035, with clear roadmaps for both battery and pumped hydro storage.
India's energy storage sector stands at the heart of the nation's clean energy revolution, powered by innovation, partnership, and a shared commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and global leadership.
