Union Power Minister R K Singh, over 17,000 circuit kilometres of transmission lines have been constructed in India during the past nine years to improve the country's energy distribution infrastructure. He said this while speaking to attendees from West Africa at an event held in the nation's capital by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Grid Controller of India Ltd (Grid-India), and West African Power Pool (WAPP).
Singh urged the attendees to use more renewable energy in their nations because it is less expensive to use than traditional energy sources. These countries must prioritise power transmission and
storage in addition to providing energy access to their people, he said. "I want to let you know that starting in 2014, we installed 1,75,000 MW of renewable energy capacity. In order to enhance distribution networks, we have erected more than 17,000 ckm of transmission lines "said he. The government unveiled a plan in December 2022 to construct a transmission system to evacuate 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030. The proposal offers investment opportunities worth around Rs 2.44 lakh crore to transmission service providers.
According to ISA DG Ajay Mathur, the organisation is trying to have solar power become a top priority for all countries. Since its founding, ISA has increased its efforts to put its current pipeline of solar projects into action, share information, and develop capacity throughout the solar value chain.
"This programme will establish standards and develop the solar ecosystems in all ISA member nations in cooperation with Grid-India and WAPP. Additionally, it will lead to a change in policy and aid in the development of financial and human capability "added he.
According to S R Narasimhan, CMD of Grid India, 60% of the world's finest solar resources are found in Africa. However, the installed solar PV capacity there is barely 1%. For Africa's transition to renewable energy, he continued, installing solar energy capacity is crucial.
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