HOD Corner
It gives us immense pleasure to present the April 2026 edition of the
e-Newsletter of the Department of Electrical Engineering at K. K. Wagh
Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik.
This newsletter reflects the vibrant academic environment, continuous
learning culture, and remarkable achievements of our students and faculty. Over
the past month, the department has actively organized industrial visits, expert
interactions, and participated in various technical events, providing our
students with valuable exposure beyond the classroom. These initiatives play a
crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world
engineering practices.
We are particularly proud of our students’ accomplishments in competitions
and their enthusiastic participation in co-curricular activities, which
highlight their innovation, teamwork, and technical competence. Equally
commendable are the contributions of our faculty members in research and
academic development, which continue to strengthen the department’s academic
excellence.
This edition also features an insightful student article on India’s rapidly
evolving power sector, emphasizing the dynamic opportunities and challenges
that lie ahead for future electrical engineers.
We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the editorial team, faculty, and
students who have contributed to this newsletter. I hope this publication will
continue to inspire, inform, and connect all stakeholders of our department.
Let us continue to strive for excellence and work together towards shaping
competent and responsible engineers for the future.
Department Events
Expert Lecture on “Indian Power distribution: Current scenario and future of distribution" Conducted for SY Electrical Engineering Students (Div A & B) on 25/04/2026!
An Expert
lecture has been arranged in association
with the EFFECT Student chapter of the electrical department on “Indian
Power distribution: Current scenario and future of distribution", SY
Electrical Division: A and B students
and staff of the department on 25/04/2026. Resource Person: Mr. AMIT K
JAISWAL, MPSL (Subsidiary of CESC), total No. of Students present = 70. The expert lecture on Indian Power
Distribution: Current Scenario and Future of Distribution provided valuable
insights into the present status of India’s power distribution sector. It
highlighted key challenges such as high transmission and distribution losses,
power theft, ageing infrastructure, and financial issues faced by distribution
companies (DISCOMs). The session also discussed government initiatives, smart
metering, and digital monitoring systems aimed at improving efficiency,
reliability, and transparency in power delivery. The lecture further focused on
the future of power distribution, emphasizing the role of renewable energy
integration, smart grids, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and
automation. Advanced technologies such as IoT, AI-based monitoring, and
real-time data analytics were presented as key drivers for modernization. Overall,
the session helped students understand the evolving power distribution
landscape and the importance of sustainable and intelligent energy systems for
the future.
Expert Lecture on “Transients in Electrical Networks” Conducted for S.Y. Electrical Engineering Students (Div A & B) on 27/04/2026!
An Expert
lecture has been arranged in association
with the IEEE Student chapter of the electrical department on “Transients in
Electrical Networks” for SY Electrical Division: A and B students and staff of the department on 27/04/2026. Resource
Person: Prof. Ashok Jain, Retired Professor. Total No. of Students
present = 135. The expert lecture on Transients
in Electrical Networks focused on the behavior of electrical systems during
sudden changes such as switching operations, faults, or lightning disturbances.
These transient conditions cause rapid variations in voltage and current, which
may lead to insulation failure or damage to electrical equipment. The session
introduced the concept of transient response in circuits, including the
difference between steady-state and transient conditions. The lecture also
covered different types of transients, such as switching transients and
lightning transients, along with their analysis in RLC circuits. Methods to
control and reduce the effects of transients, such as surge arresters, proper
grounding, and protective devices, were discussed. Overall, the session
enhanced students’ understanding of transient phenomena and their significance
in designing safe and reliable electrical power systems.
Expert Lecture on “Energy Conservation in Air Conditioning Units" Conducted for TY Electrical Engineering Students (Div A & B) on 27/04/2026!
An Expert lecture has been arranged for an Online Session in
association with the IET Student chapter of the electrical department on “Energy
Conservation in Air conditioning unit", TY Electrical Division: A&B students and staff of the department
on 27/04/2026.Resource Person: Mr. Shyam S. Tayade, Production Engineer,
Bluestar HVAC. Total No. of Students present = 53. The lecture was delivered by Mr. Shyam S.
Tayade, Production Engineer at Blue Star Limited (HVAC Division). During the
session, he shared his practical experience in the manufacturing of Outdoor
Units (ODU) for international markets and provided valuable insights into plant
production management, industrial operations, and HVAC technologies. The
lecture was interactive in nature, where students actively engaged by asking
questions and clarifying their doubts regarding career opportunities, industry
expectations, and technical concepts. The session proved to be highly
informative and beneficial, helping students gain a better understanding of
core engineering applications and motivating them towards industry-oriented
learning. Overall, the expert lecture was successfully conducted and received
positive feedback from the students.
Expert Lecture on “Type Testing of Switchgear" Conducted for Final Year Electrical Engineering Students (Div A & B) on 02/04/2026!
An Expert lecture has been arranged in association with the IET
Student chapter of the Electrical Department on “Type Testing of
Switchgear" for Final Year
Electrical Division: B students
and staff of the department on 02/04/2026. Resource Person: Mr. Rahul Patil,
General Manager (R & D), CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd. Total No. of Students present = 75. The expert lecture on Type Testing of
Switchgear focused on the importance of testing switchgear equipment to
ensure its safety, reliability, and efficient performance in power systems. The
session introduced students to the concept of type testing, which is carried
out on prototype equipment to verify its design as per standard specifications.
It also highlighted the role of national and international standards in
maintaining quality and operational safety. Various tests, such as dielectric
test, temperature rise test, short-circuit test, and mechanical endurance test,
were discussed in detail. The expert explained how these tests are performed in
certified laboratories and their significance in real-world applications.
Overall, the lecture enhanced students’ practical understanding and helped them
connect theoretical knowledge with industrial practices in electrical
engineering.
F.Y. B.Tech Parents–Teacher Meet and Felicitation of Semester I Toppers!
The Department successfully organized the “F.Y. B.Tech Parents–Teacher Meet” on
11th April 2026, creating a valuable platform to strengthen collaboration
between parents and faculty for the holistic development of our students. On
this occasion, we also proudly felicitated the Semester I toppers (A.Y.
2025–26) for their outstanding academic performance.
Division
N
• Sanap
Chanchal Rajesh – CGPA 9.30
•
Dabhade Jiyash Ganesh – CGPA 9.25
•
Pagare Tanuja Vijay – CGPA 9.20
Division
O
•
Kokane Simran Vishal – CGPA 9.30
•
Lachake Sayali Sagar – CGPA 9.05
•
Jadhav Mansi Sunil – CGPA 9.00
Heartiest congratulations to all achievers—your
dedication and excellence continue to inspire!
Insightful Industry-Oriented Workshop by Dr. Manoj Mandlik!
Dr. Manoj
Mandlik conducted an insightful
three-hour workshop on “Product
Development in the Industry” for our TY Electrical students on 15th April
2026. The session provided valuable exposure to real-world product development
practices, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry
expectations. Students gained practical insights into innovation, design
thinking, and the development lifecycle.
Expert Talk on “Diagnostic Testing of Substation Equipment” for TY Students!
We are delighted to share that Mr. Vipin Chauhan, Deputy Executive Engineer at MSETCL, delivered
an insightful expert talk for our Third Year (TY) students on “Diagnostic Testing
of Substation Equipment” on 10th March 2026. The session provided students with
valuable exposure to real-world practices in power system maintenance and
condition monitoring. Mr. Chauhan elaborated on various diagnostic techniques
used to assess the health and reliability of substation equipment, bridging the
gap between theoretical concepts and industry applications. This was
coordinated by Prof. Rupali Milind
Patil.
Certificate Course on PLC & SCADA Successfully Conducted for TY Students!
The department successfully conducted a Certificate Course on PLC & SCADA for Third Year (Electrical) students from 17th April to 21st April 2026. This intensive program aimed at equipping students with hands-on knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and SCADA systems, which are essential components in modern industrial automation. The course enabled students to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, enhancing their technical competence and employability. The certificate course was coordinated by Prof. Atul Shewale.
Expert Talk on “From Conventional to Smart Switchgear” for TY Students!
On 25th April 2026, our department successfully organized
an expert lecture for Third Year students on the topic “From Conventional to Smart Switchgear” The session was delivered
by Ms. Sukhada Raut, an accomplished
professional from ABB, specializing in Medium Voltage (MV) switchgear. She
provided valuable insights into the evolution of switchgear technologies,
highlighting the transition from conventional systems to smart, intelligent
solutions shaping modern power systems. The session offered students a deeper
understanding of industry practices, emerging trends, and the skills required
to stay relevant in the evolving electrical engineering landscape.
Second Year Students Showcase Innovation in Mini Project Competition!
On 28th April 2026, the department successfully organized
a Mini Project Competition for Second Year students, providing them with a
platform to demonstrate their creativity, technical knowledge, and project
development skills.
Student Corner:
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Ms. Aira Malegaonkar's parents for Placement Success!
On 4th April, Dr. Ravindra Munje, Prof. Nayana Jangle,
and Prof. Sonali Patil felicitated the parents of Ms. Aira Malegaonkar in recognition of her remarkable achievement
of securing placement in a multinational company.
This accomplishment reflects not
only Aira’s dedication and hard work but also the unwavering support and
encouragement from her family. Moments like these strengthen the bond between
the institute and parents, making success truly meaningful. Wishing Aira
continued success in her professional journey! 🌟
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Ms. Sakshi Birari's parents for Placement Success!
On 4th April, Dr.
Ravindra Munje, Prof. Nayana Jangle, and Prof. Sonali Patil felicitated the
parents of Ms. Sakshi Birari in
recognition of her remarkable achievement of securing placement in a
multinational company.
This accomplishment reflects not only Sakshi’s dedication
and hard work but also the unwavering support and encouragement from her
family. Moments like these strengthen the bond between the institute and
parents, making success truly meaningful.
Wishing Sakshi continued success in her professional
journey!
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Mr. Harshal Mistry's parents for Placement Success!
It gives us immense pleasure to felicitate the parents of
Harshal Mistry for his remarkable
achievement of securing a placement in a multinational company. This
accomplishment reflects his dedication, perseverance, and the strong support
system provided by his family.
The felicitation was carried out by Prof. Dr. Ravindra Munje and Dr. Saravanan S
on behalf of the department, as a gesture of appreciation towards the parents for
their invaluable role in shaping his success.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Harshal Mistry
and his family and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors!
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Ms. Yogita Jadhav's parents for Placement Success!
The
Department felicitated the parents of Yogita
Jadhav on 18th April 2026 in recognition of her remarkable achievement of
securing a placement in a multinational company.
This achievement is not only a testament to Yogita’s hard
work and dedication but also reflects the constant encouragement and values
instilled by her family.
Congratulations to Yogita Jadhav and her proud parents!
We wish her continued success in her professional journey.
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Ms. Dhanashree Wani's parents for Placement Success!
The Department felicitated the parents of Dhanashree Wani on 18th April 2026 in
recognition of her remarkable achievement of securing placement in a
multinational company.
This achievement is not only a testament to Dhanashree’s
hard work and dedication but also reflects the constant encouragement and
values instilled by her family.
Congratulations to Dhanashree and her proud parents! We
wish her continued success in her professional journey.
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Ms. Harshada Chawande's parents for Placement Success!
It gives us immense pleasure to felicitate the parents of
Ms. Harshada Chawande on her
remarkable achievement of securing a placement in a multinational company. This
accomplishment reflects her dedication, perseverance, and the strong support
system provided by her family.
The felicitation was carried out by Prof. Pooja Sapkade and Prof. Ayush Adawade on behalf of the
department, as a gesture of appreciation towards the parents for their
invaluable role in shaping her success.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Harshada Chawand and her family and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors!
Proud Moment: Felicitation of Mr. Aditya Bairagi's parents for Placement Success!
It gives us immense pleasure to felicitate the parents of
Aditya Bairagi on his remarkable
achievement of securing a placement in a multinational company. This
accomplishment reflects his dedication, perseverance, and the strong support
system provided by his family.
The felicitation was carried out by Prof. Dr. Ravindra Munje and Prof. Prajakta Dhole on
behalf of the department, as a gesture of appreciation towards the parents for
their invaluable role in shaping his success.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Aditya Bairagi
and his family and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors!
Proud Achievement: 1st Prize at Sandip Drushri-2026!
On 2nd April 2026, our Final Year students achieved a
remarkable milestone by securing 1st Prize in the project competition “Sandip Drushri-2026”, held at Sandip
Institute of Engineering and Management, organized by the Department of
Electrical Engineering.
👏 Heartiest
congratulations to:
Mansi Shinde,
Shreya Kamble, Karan Wable, and Siddharth Ghuge for this outstanding achievement.
Their dedication, innovation, and teamwork have truly
paid off, bringing pride to the department. Such accomplishments reflect the
strong technical foundation and commitment to excellence nurtured within our
students.
Wishing them continued success in all their future
endeavors! 🚀
Proud Achievement: 2nd Prize in Techfest 2026 Project
Competition!
Happy to share that Ashwath Salaskar,
Yogita Jadhav, Ayush Sonawane, and Harshad Gaikwad secured 2nd Prize in the
Project Competition 'TechFest 2026' organised by Electronics and
Telecommunication Department of Sandip Institute of Engineering and Management.
👏 Their hard work, technical
skills, and innovative approach have led to this commendable success.
Achievements like these reflect the spirit of learning and excellence among our
students.
Wishing them many more successes ahead! 🚀
Industrial Visit to “Water Treatment Plant” for TY Students on 07th April 2026!
The Department successfully organized an industrial visit
to the “Water Treatment Plant”,
Nilgiri Baag, Panchavati, Nashik on 7th April 2026 for our Third Year students
as a part of the PLC and SCADA Course.
This visit provided students with valuable exposure to
real-time water treatment processes and automation systems. They gained
practical insights into the application of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
and SCADA systems in monitoring and controlling industrial operations.
Industrial
Visit to “Advent Engineers” for TY Students on 07th April 2026!
The Department organized an industrial visit to “Advent Engineers” on 7th April 2026
for our Third-Year students as a part of the Industry Connect Course.
The visit offered students an excellent opportunity to
gain real-world exposure to industrial practices, workflows, and engineering
applications. Interacting with industry experts helped them understand current
trends, challenges, and expectations from future engineers.
Industrial Visit to “Lucy Electric” for TY Students on 09th & 10th April 2026!
We are pleased to share that the Third-Year Electrical
Engineering (Div A) students had the opportunity to visit “Lucy Electric” on 9th & 10th April 2026.
The industrial visit provided valuable exposure to
real-world electrical systems, manufacturing processes, and industry practices,
helping bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
The visit was successfully coordinated by Prof. Rupali Milind Patil and Prof. Snehal
Sagare, whose efforts ensured a meaningful learning experience for all
students.
Proud Moment: Students Win 2nd Prize at TechGuru 2K26!
We are delighted to share that our students Ashwath Salaskar, Ayush Sonawane, Yogita
Jadhav, and Harshad Gaikwad have
secured 2nd Prize in TechGuru 2K26, conducted by the Electrical Department at Guru Gobind Singh College of Engineering
on 30th March 2026.
This achievement reflects their technical expertise,
teamwork, and dedication towards innovation and excellence.
Heartiest congratulations to all of them for making the
department proud! Wishing them continued success in their future endeavors.
Proud Achievement: 1st Prize at Electro Sparx 2026!
Our
students Ashwath Salaskar, Yogita
Jadhav, Ayush Sonawane, and Harshad
Gaikwad have secured
Insightful Interaction with Prof. Ramchander Nirudi on Laboratory Development!
On 9th April 2026, we had the
privilege of engaging in an insightful and enriching discussion with Prof. Ramchander Nirudi on advancing
our laboratory facilities and strengthening infrastructure in the field of
Electrical Engineering. It was truly encouraging to receive his appreciation
for the well-thought-out design and state-of-the-art equipment in our
laboratories.
FY ‘N’ Division Students Explore India’s Heritage through IKS Visit!
Delighted to share that students of FY ‘N’ Division participated in an insightful visit to Kalaram Mandir and Sarkar Wada Museum
(Regional Museum) on 9th April 2026 as part of the IKS (Indian Knowledge
System) subject.
The visit provided students with a deeper understanding
of India’s rich cultural, spiritual, and historical heritage. Exploring the
architectural significance of Kalaram Mandir and the inspiring legacy preserved
at Savarkar Wada Museum helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and
real-world experience.
Industrial Visit to Advent Engineers for TY Division A Students on 16th April 2026!
The Department successfully organized an industrial visit
to Advent Engineers for the students of TY Division A on 16th April
2026. The visit provided students with valuable exposure to real-world
industrial practices, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and
practical application. It was an enriching experience that enhanced their
understanding of engineering concepts and processes. The visit was smoothly
coordinated by Prof. Snehal Sagare.
We are delighted to share a proud achievement of our students!
Students of the department Amol
Khemnar, Harshal Mistry, Aditya Gethe, and Aaditya Makade have been honored with the Best Project Award
at Technofest, organized by Kalyani
Charitable Trusts Late G.N.Sapkal College of Engineering, Sapkal Knowledge
Hub, Kalyani Hills, Anjaneri Vadholi, Tryambakeshwar, Dist.Nashik 422212 on
18th April 2026.
Their innovative thinking, technical excellence, and
dedication have truly set them apart among participants. This accomplishment
reflects the spirit of creativity and hard work nurtured within the department.
We congratulate the students on this remarkable success
and wish them continued achievements in their future endeavors!
Proud Achievement: 1st Rank at MET Enthusia 2026!
We are proud to share that Shravan Mahajan, Shubham Sarwar, Darshan Rajole, and Pooja Jadhav have secured 1st Rank at
MET Enthusia 2026: Engineering the Future — a prestigious project competition. The
event was organized by MET's Institute of Engineering, Bhujbal Knowledge City,
Adgaon Campus, Nashik, on 24th April 2026.
This remarkable achievement reflects their innovation,
teamwork, and technical excellence. Such accomplishments continue to bring
pride to the department and inspire fellow students to strive for excellence.
Heartiest congratulations to the winners!
Congratulations
We are proud to share that Pradnya Bhandare, Kartik Patil, Siddhesh Shelke, and Mehul Shinde have secured 2nd Rank at
MET Enthusia 2026 — a prestigious project competition.
The event was organized by MET's Institute of
Engineering, Bhujbal Knowledge City, Adgaon Campus, Nashik on 24th April 2026.
This achievement is a testament to their creativity,
technical skills, and strong teamwork. Their success adds another feather to
the cap of our department and motivates others to push their boundaries.
Heartiest congratulations to the team!
Industrial Visit to “Nashik Transformer Industries” for TY Students on 22nd April 2026!
The department successfully organized an
insightful industrial visit for our Third Year (TY) students to “NASHIK TRANSFORMER INDUSTRIES” on 22nd
April 2026. This visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to gain
practical exposure to transformer manufacturing processes, quality control
practices, and real-world industrial operations. Such experiences play a
crucial role in enhancing their understanding beyond textbooks and preparing
them for professional challenges. IET K K Wagh Expo K K Wagh Institute of
Engineering Education and Research K K Wagh Education Society
Industrial Visit to TDK India Private Limited for TY Students!
We are pleased to share that the department successfully
organized an industrial visit to TDK
India Private Limited on 24th April 2026 for our Third Year students. The
visit provided students with valuable exposure to real-world industrial
practices, advanced technologies, and manufacturing processes, helping bridge
the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. Such initiatives
play a crucial role in enhancing practical knowledge and preparing students for
their professional careers. The visit was effectively coordinated by Prof. Snehal Sagare, whose efforts
ensured a smooth and insightful experience for all participants.
We extend our gratitude to the team at TDK India Private
Limited for their support and guidance.
Industrial Visit to TDK Nashik for Third Year Students!
On 28th April 2026, the department organized an
industrial visit to TDK Nashik for Third Year students, providing them with
valuable exposure to real-world manufacturing and industry practices. During
the visit, students gained insights into advanced technologies, production
processes, quality standards, and the role of electrical engineering in modern
industrial applications.
TY Students Explore Advanced Technologies during ABB Industrial Visit!
On 28th April 2026, the department organized an
industrial visit to ABB for Third
Year students, offering them a valuable opportunity to experience cutting-edge
technologies and industrial practices firsthand.
During the visit, students were introduced to advanced
systems related to switchgear, automation, and power solutions. The interaction
helped them understand real-world applications of electrical engineering
concepts, along with industry standards, safety practices, and innovation in
smart technologies.
Faculty Corner
Congratulations to Dr. Shashank Tripathi!
We are delighted to share that Dr. Shashank Tripathi has successfully published a book chapter
titled:
(Chapter 10, pp. 136–150),
This valuable
contribution appears in the book “Electrical Systems and Energy Technologies”,
published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
This achievement reflects a strong commitment to research
and innovation in the field of communication networks. Wishing Dr. Tripathi
continued success in all future academic and research endeavors.
Insightful Alumni Interaction by Mr. Kunal Patil on Power Electronics!
We were delighted to welcome our esteemed alumnus, Mr. Kunal Patil, to the department
today, 20th April 2026. During his visit, he engaged in an insightful
interaction with our students, shedding light on the ever-growing importance of
Power Electronics across industries. He emphasized how the core subjects
studied during engineering form the foundation for real-world applications and
career success. His session was not only informative but also highly motivating,
encouraging students to value their academic learning and connect it with
industry expectations.
We sincerely thank Mr
Kunal Patil for taking the time to inspire and guide our students. We look
forward to many more such enriching interactions with our alumni.
Student Article
India's Power Sector in 2026 — A Nation Charging Ahead
Atharvjagtap1705@gmail.com
1. Introduction:
Over the last decade, India's power
sector has undergone a rapid structural transformation, marked by large-scale
renewable deployment, transmission expansion, and regulatory reforms. In 2026,
India's power sector is undergoing a transformation that is nothing short of
historic. From crossing a major renewable energy milestone to launching
groundbreaking nuclear legislation and expanding its transmission grid beyond 5
lakh circuit kilometres, India is rewriting its energy story at a breathtaking
pace. For electrical engineering students, this is not just news — this is the
world we are stepping into.
2. India's Historic Renewable Energy Milestone
In June
2025, India achieved what many thought was impossible before 2030 — it crossed
50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
Out of a total installed capacity of 484.82 GW, non-fossil sources contributed
242.78 GW, accounting for 50.08% of the total. This milestone was achieved more
than five years ahead of India's target under the Paris Agreement's Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs).
To understand how significant this is, back in March
2014, non-fossil sources made up only 32.54% of India's installed capacity. By
December 2026, this figure has risen to 51.93%. This growth reflects over a
decade of determined policy, investment, and engineering execution. India now
ranks 3rd globally in solar energy, 4th in wind energy, and 4th in total
installed renewable capacity as per IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025.
3. What the World is Saying — IEA
Electricity 2026 Report
In February
2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its flagship Electricity
2026 report, and India featured prominently as a global energy leader. The
report highlighted that renewable electricity generation in India grew by 20%
in 2025 — the strongest absolute annual increase ever recorded. Solar PV alone
saw a 24% year-on-year jump, adding 33 TWh of generation. Wind power rose by
28% and hydropower by 14%.
Looking ahead, the IEA projects that between 2026 and
2030, India will add nearly 300 GW of renewable power capacity. India's
electricity demand is expected to grow at an average of 6.4% annually through
2030 — one of the fastest rates in the world. Peak demand is forecast to hit a
record 283 GW by 2026, driven by urbanization, expanding industries, data centres,
EV adoption, and increased cooling needs.
As a direct result of strong renewable growth, wholesale
electricity prices in India actually fell by 16% year-on-year in 2025,
averaging USD 46/MWh — a rare achievement when prices were rising across Europe
and the United States. This proves that the clean energy transition can be
economically beneficial, not just environmentally responsible.
4. Solar Energy — India's Crown Jewel
Perhaps
the most remarkable story within India's energy transition is the rise of solar
power. From a mere 3 GW in 2014, India's solar capacity has surged to 129 GW by
October 2025, showing Fig 2 — a more than 40-fold increase in just over a
decade. Solar is now the largest contributor to India's renewable energy
portfolio, surpassing wind, hydro, and biomass.
Fig 2. Growth of Solar Energy in India
The government's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana scheme
has added approximately 7 GW of distributed rooftop solar capacity, benefitting
nearly 24 lakh households by December 2025. Under PM-KUSUM, over 9 lakh
standalone solar pumps have been installed for farmers, transforming energy use
in Indian agriculture. India's domestic solar PV manufacturing capacity also
reached 100 GW under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) in
2025.
The IEA projects solar PV's share in India's total
electricity generation to reach 10% in 2026 and approach 18% by 2030. India is
adding over 30 GW of solar capacity annually and is also emerging as a global
solar leader through its International Solar Alliance (ISA), a body co-founded
with France and now comprising over 125 member nations.
Spotlight: Delhi's P2P Solar Trading Pilot In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India,
the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) approved a peer-to-peer
(P2P) solar energy trading mechanism on a six-month pilot basis. This allows consumers
and prosumers to directly buy and sell solar energy with each other using
blockchain-enabled digital platforms and smart meters — bypassing the
traditional grid intermediary. Early trials have recorded a 15% improvement in
grid stress relief and reduced energy costs for participating households. This
is the future of decentralised energy distribution.
5. Nuclear Energy — India's Bold Bet with the SHANTI Act
While solar and wind grab most of the headlines, India is also making a bold and strategic move in nuclear energy. The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, is a landmark piece of legislation that modernizes India's nuclear framework, which was previously governed by laws dating back to 1962.
Fig 3: Nuclear Energy power plant
The SHANTI Act brings three critical changes. First, it
enables limited private sector participation in nuclear power generation and
equipment manufacturing — a historic first for India. Second, it grants
statutory recognition to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB),
strengthening regulatory independence. Third, it opens doors for Small Modular
Reactors (SMRs), with the government allocating Rs 20,000 crore to develop at
least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033 through the Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre (BARC).
India's current nuclear capacity stands at 8.78 GW, contributing about 3% of total electricity generation. But with the new legal and financial framework, nuclear generation is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 12% from 2026 to 2030. The government has set an ambitious long-term target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, positioning nuclear as a reliable, low-carbon backbone alongside intermittent renewables.
6. Transmission Infrastructure — The Veins of India's Grid
Fig 4: Transmission Infrastructure
Generating clean energy is only half the battle — getting
it to where it is needed is equally critical. On January 14, 2026, India
crossed a historic milestone: its national power transmission network exceeded
5 lakh circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines at 220 kV and above,
along with 1,407 GVA of transformation capacity. The world's largest
synchronous national grid achieved this feat with the commissioning of a 628 ckm,
765 kV transmission line from Bhadla II to Sikar II substation in Rajasthan —
built specifically to evacuate power from India's massive solar energy zone.
Since April 2014, India's transmission network has grown
by 71.6%, with the addition of 2.09 lakh ckm of new lines and an increase in
transformation capacity by 876 GVA. The inter-regional power transfer capacity
now stands at 1,20,340 MW, enabling seamless electricity flow across the
country under the vision of 'One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency.'
Going forward, interstate transmission projects currently
under implementation will add approximately 40,000 ckm of new lines, and
intra-state projects will contribute another 27,500 ckm. This massive
infrastructure push is essential to evacuate the 500 GW of renewable power that
India is targeting by 2030.
6. Challenges on the Horizon
India's energy journey is impressive, but challenges
remain. Peak load management is a pressing concern — a majority of Indian
states are projected to face significant capacity shortages by 2034, even if
all planned capacity comes online on time. States like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil
Nadu face the highest risk of unserved energy by 2030.
Smart meter deployment also lags behind, as of December
2025, only 22% of approved smart meters have been installed. Without smart
meters, implementing Time-of-Day (ToD) pricing and demand flexibility programs
at scale remains difficult. Grid integration of variable renewables, battery
storage deployment, and DISCOM financial health are other areas that require
continued engineering innovation and policy attention.
7. What to
Watch in India's Power Sector in 2026
As we move through 2026, several
exciting developments are already taking shape in India's power sector that
deserve close attention. First, the India Energy Stack (IES) — often described
as the "Aadhaar for the electricity sector" — is targeted to go live
in July 2026, which will digitally integrate all assets across the power value
chain into a single unified platform. Second, on the transmission front, the
Cabinet has approved raising POWERGRID's investment limit to Rs 7,500 crore per
subsidiary to enable large-scale participation in Ultra High Voltage AC (UHVAC)
and High Voltage DC (HVDC) network projects — technologies that allow
electricity to travel thousands of kilometres with minimal losses. Third,
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are seeing rapid real-world deployment,
with major agreements already signed in March 2026 for 445 MW / 890 MWh of
standalone BESS projects in Gujarat alone. Finally, a draft National
Electricity Policy 2026 is currently being shaped, with an ambitious target of
increasing India's per-capita electricity consumption to 2,000 kWh by 2030
while building a climate-resilient and flexible grid for the future. Together,
these four developments signal that 2026 is not just a year of milestones for
India — it is a year of momentum.
Conclusion
In 2026, India's power sector stands at a remarkable
inflexion point. It has already surpassed its Paris Agreement renewable target.
It is expanding solar at a pace that amazes the world. It is modernising its
nuclear laws to unlock the next wave of clean baseload power. And it is
building the transmission backbone to tie it all together. The challenges ahead
— peak load management, smart meter rollout, grid stability — are real, but
they are the exact kind of problems that electrical engineers are trained to
solve. India is charging ahead, and the engineers of today will be the
architects of that charged future.
Reference
[1] Ministry of Power, Government of India — PIB Report
on Renewable Energy Milestone (2025)
[2] International Energy Agency — Electricity 2026 Report
(February 2026)
[3] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — India's Solar
Momentum Report (December 2025)
[4] PRS Legislative Research — SHANTI Bill 2025 Analysis
[5] Ministry of Power — PIB Report on Transmission
Network Crossing 5 Lakh ckm (January 2026)
[6] Norton Rose Fulbright — Key Takeaways from IEA
Electricity 2026 for India (March 2026)
[7] ET Energy World, Investing.com — India Power Demand Outlook 2026
