Mumbai, Aug. 3 -- The Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA) hosted the inaugural edition of ElectraNorth 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, utilities, manufacturers and technology providers to discuss investment opportunities, grid modernisation and the growth of India's power equipment industry.
Addressing the conclave, Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority, said the northern region accounts for the country's highest peak power demand, with Uttar Pradesh alone recording demand exceeding 32,000 MW. He said India would continue expanding renewable energy capacity alongside battery energy storage and pumped hydro storage, with a target of 100 GW of pumped storage capacity.
Ashish Kumar Goel, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), Government of Uttar Pradesh, said the state is focusing on research and development and improved product quality, citing the extension of transformer warranties to 10+2 years, which has encouraged wider industry participation in procurement.
Highlighting Punjab's power sector plans, Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary (Power), Government of Punjab, said the state is investing in a 765-kV substation, four 400-kV substations and more than 20 additional substations over the next two years, while expanding battery energy storage and smart metering.
Vikram Gandotra, President, IEEMA, said India's electrical equipment manufacturing sector recorded 34 per cent growth in the latest Index of Industrial Production data and has an investment pipeline exceeding USD 3.5 billion. He emphasised the need for demand visibility, procurement certainty and greater investment in research and development to strengthen global competitiveness.
At the chief executives' session, Sarit Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer, NTPC Renewable Energy, outlined the company's plans to develop 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, a 33 GWh battery storage pipeline and the Rs 185 billion Pudimadaka green hydrogen hub.
The event also featured discussions on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, data centres, artificial intelligence-driven manufacturing and opportunities for small and medium enterprises in global supply chains. IEEMA also announced that ELECRAMA 2027 has recorded strong industry response, with additional exhibition halls added and Germany confirmed as the partner country.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.