IEEMA Hosts Inaugural Industry Conclave, Focuses on India’s Energy Transition

The Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA) today hosted the inaugural edition of the IEEMA Industry Conclave in Delhi. The event served as a platform for industry leaders, government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pivotal role of India’s electrical and allied electronics sectors in shaping the nation’s future.

The Conclave, themed “Moving Towards an All-Electric Future – Partnering India’s Energy Transition,” addressed key challenges and opportunities in the industry. Topics covered included the “Make in India” initiative, planning for India’s energy needs, digitalization and innovation in manufacturing, and strengthening transmission infrastructure.

In his address, Hamza Arsiwala, President of IEEMA, highlighted India’s growing energy infrastructure. “India has become the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity globally, with an installed power capacity exceeding 440 GW as of March 2024, and another 350 GW set to be added by 2030,” Arsiwala stated. He emphasized the industry’s potential to create a sustainable energy future for the nation.

Srikant Nagulapalli, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Power, outlined the government’s commitment to renewable energy. “We aim to have 50% of India’s power capacity from non-fossil sources. By 2030, we plan to add 85 GW of solar capacity and 40 GW of storage,” Nagulapalli said, adding that significant progress is being made in green hydrogen initiatives across states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.

Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director of Sterlite Power, described the evolving energy landscape as an “Energy Revolution” driven by rising demand and the integration of artificial intelligence. Agarwal expressed confidence in the rapid pace of India’s green transition, supported by the country’s robust power grid infrastructure.

Deepak Sharma, Managing Director and CEO of Schneider Electric, emphasized the critical role of energy in India’s journey from ‘Vikas’ to ‘Viksit’ (development to developed). He posed a vital question, “How can we achieve growth without compromising our planet?” Sharma highlighted the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in this endeavor.

Kamran Rizvi, Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, praised IEEMA for its role as a reliable partner to the government, particularly in managing pricing challenges. Rizvi also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop technology, with the ministry supporting initiatives where 70% of investment comes from the government.

The Conclave featured a range of speakers and offered networking opportunities for attendees to forge partnerships aimed at enhancing the nation’s power systems. Key takeaways included a reinforced commitment to sustainability, a focus on strengthening “Make in India” manufacturing capabilities, and the critical role of innovation and technology in the future of the electrical and allied electronics industry.