By N Venu
Energy today is central to a nation’s economic progress. As the world faces dynamic geopolitical realities and supply chain disruptions, technology is fast becoming the key differentiator that determines how countries achieve both energy security and sustainability. Intelligent grid systems, advanced transmission networks, and digital solutions are now shaping how India meets its energy needs responsibly. Through stronger domestic manufacturing, expanding renewables, and a modernised grid, the country is setting an example in innovation and clean energy.
A resilient and flexible grid lies at the heart of India’s energy independence. Digitalisation and automation are adding intelligence to this network, allowing power flows to be managed in real time and improving system stability. A unified national grid enables surplus power in one area to meet the needs of another. This way, a remote village and a city can both rely on the same power supply, ensuring reliability for every community.
India’s manufacturing capabilities are central to turning this vision into a reality. From raw material processing to system integration, the nation is steadily building end-to-end strength that reduces our import dependence and supports sovereignty in energy security. Factories producing transformers, switchgears, and other grid-critical equipment are increasingly adopting automation, robotics, and digital testing to improve quality, traceability, and performance efficiency.
National initiatives such as the PLI Schemes and the India Semiconductor Mission are expanding domestic manufacturing and technology leadership. With Rs 65,000 crore committed to various ventures for semiconductor projects, India is simultaneously developing a talent pool of technicians to manage the complexity of future grids. Power electronics and semiconductor innovation form the backbone of intelligent grids, which enable better control, conversion, and management of renewable energy.
As supply chains diversify, India can step forward as a reliable energy partner. A large domestic market, proven cost advantage, and a skilled workforce backed by policies make the country uniquely placed to supply advanced grid and renewable technologies. Digitalised grids equipped with predictive analysis and remote sensing are improving grid reliability, while digital substations and advanced monitoring systems are improving the transmission of renewable power. Storage solutions like sodium-ion and flow batteries are helping the grid balance fluctuating supply and demand, supported by control systems and converters that optimise how clean energy is stored and released.
India’s ambition of reaching 500 gigawatts of non-fossil capacity by 2030 demands strong transmission and storage to match its renewable generation. Large HVDC corridors, expanded transformer capacity and developed battery systems already demonstrate the readiness to meet this ambition but also position India as a net exporter of high-voltage and intelligent energy solutions. Digital twins, data-driven maintenance and automation will make this ecosystem even more adaptive, enabling better integration of solar and wind power into the grid.
India’s energy journey reflects a well-thought-out strategic push toward creating a stable, reliable, and sustainable renewable future. By linking manufacturing, infrastructure, new age technologies, and policies, the nation is inspiring the next era of sustainable energy.
The writer is MD & CEO, India and South Asia, Hitachi Energy
