India Targets 900 GW Non-Fossil Capacity By 2035-36 With Massive Grid Expansion Plan – CEA

India is planning a major expansion of its clean energy capacity, aiming to achieve more than 900 GW of non-fossil fuel power by 2035-36. This target has been outlined in a roadmap prepared by the Central Electricity Authority, which focuses on meeting the country’s rising electricity demand while supporting a shift toward sustainable energy sources.

According to the projections, India’s peak electricity demand is expected to reach 459 GW by 2035-36. To meet this demand, the country will need a strong mix of renewable and non-fossil fuel sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power. As of February 2026, India’s non-fossil fuel capacity has already reached around 275 GW, which accounts for more than 52% of the total installed power capacity. This marks steady progress, but a significant scale-up is required over the next decade.

A large part of this future capacity will come from solar and wind energy. Together, these two sources are expected to contribute about 664 GW by 2035-36. Renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms can be developed relatively quickly. However, building the transmission infrastructure required to carry this electricity across regions takes more time. To avoid delays and congestion, the government is planning transmission systems well in advance.

The transmission roadmap includes a major infrastructure push. It proposes the addition of around 137,500 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and about 827,600 MVA of substation capacity across the country. This expansion is estimated to cost nearly ₹7,93,300 crore. The goal is to efficiently connect renewable energy-rich regions with demand centers across India.

States such as Rajasthan and Gujarat are expected to play a key role in this transition due to their high renewable energy potential. Rajasthan alone has an estimated potential of 58.7 GW, while Gujarat has around 64.8 GW. The plan also includes the development of offshore wind energy, especially along the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. In addition, regions like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka will be important for scaling up renewable energy projects.

To support large-scale power transfer, the roadmap also considers the use of advanced technologies such as 1150 kV AC transmission systems. These high-voltage systems can carry large amounts of electricity over long distances, which is important for supplying power from renewable-rich areas to industrial zones, including emerging green hydrogen hubs.

Another key focus area is energy storage. Since renewable sources like solar and wind are not available all the time, storage systems are needed to ensure a stable power supply. The plan includes a target of achieving around 100 GW of capacity from Hydro Pumped Storage Projects by 2034-35. These systems can store excess electricity and supply it when needed.

The roadmap also highlights new operational measures to improve grid efficiency. Concepts such as “Solar Hour” and “Non-Solar Hour” have been introduced. These allow better use of existing transmission lines by enabling wind and battery storage systems to use the grid during periods when solar power generation is low.

Overall, this roadmap provides clear guidance for developers, investors, and policymakers. By aligning renewable energy generation with transmission infrastructure, India aims to build a reliable and modern power system. This approach will help the country move toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future while ensuring that electricity demand is met efficiently.