How India is powering energy sustainability with high voltage

Welcome to the Power Pulse podcast blog series, where we delve into the exciting world of energy.

The Power Pulse podcast's new season features the brightest minds in the industry as they examine the challenges, opportunities, innovations, breakthroughs, and sometimes serendipities that have played a part in advancing the development of the power grid. Hear them demystify the fascinating workings behind one of the most impressive engineering feats of the modern era - the electricity grid. Plug in! We promise an electrifying experience with every new episode.

How India is powering energy sustainability with high voltage

What does a city that never sleeps sound like? Well, let me tell you – there’s a constant hum that echoes in every alley, every corner, and every space, pulsing like a heartbeat, a clear and comfortable signal of life in motion. It’s the rattle of rickshaws through bustling streets, the chatter of lively markets spilling into alleys, the blaring horns of cars weaving through traffic, and the rhythmic clatter of construction as new buildings rise. Now, envision that this same energy in the city can fuel an entire country. Incredible, right?

Picture large wind turbines spinning in the breeze, solar panels soaking up the warm sun, and futuristic grid powering millions of homes. Welcome to India’s vibrant and flourishing energy grid. If you’re keen to learn more, listen to the latest Power Pulse episode "The road ahead: India’s bold vision for a better and more sustainable grid."

An energy giant that’s changing the game 

India, home to 1.4 billion people, is one of the fastest-growing economies on the planet. More factories, more cities, more electric vehicles – everything demands power. And India is doing more than keep up; it’s leading an inspiring transformation. The country has the world’s third-largest electricity generation capacity, and it’s expanding at lightning speed.

But here’s the catch: energy growth without sustainability is like driving a sports car without brakes – it’s exciting and powerful but comes at a great and dangerous cost. That’s why India is not just producing more energy; it’s shifting gears toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.

A champion of renewable energy

If energy were a cricket match, India is hitting sixes in renewable energy. The country has set a bold and ambitious target: net zero emissions by 2070 and 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. That’s like generating enough renewable energy to replace the total annual electricity consumption of a major city like New York.

As India pushes toward achieving this goal the country is tapping into its natural resources like never before. Let’s take a closer look at the powerhouses driving this transformation.

The path to greatness comes with speed bumps

Of course, no energy revolution comes without its hurdles. India’s energy transition faces challenges such as:

1. Upgrading an aging power grid to handle the growing renewable energy generation
   Many parts of India’s grid were designed decades ago and are now under increasing strain as energy demands grow. However, as one of the youngest large grids in the world, India is also rapidly evolving to meet modern needs. Upgrading this aging infrastructure while expanding the grid to reach remote areas is a significant challenge. Modernization requires not only high-voltage lines but also the seamless integration of technologies with legacy systems.
2. Integrating intermittent renewable energy
   Solar and wind energy are inherently intermittent. Balancing these variable sources with constant energy demand requires smart grid solutions and advanced energy storage solutions. This integration demands robust forecasting, real-time data management, and flexible grid operation to maintain stability.
3. Navigating the complex regulatory landscape for eco-efficient alternatives
   A notable regulatory challenge in the country is managing the phase out of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) – a gas prized for its excellent insulating properties in high-voltage switchgear but is also known to be the most potent greenhouse gas. Regulators face the dual challenge of ensuring that the transition to SF₆-free technology does not compromise the grid’s reliability while also meeting increasingly stringent environmental targets.

But India has an ace up its sleeve: innovation and collaboration. The country is investing billions in clean energy, attracting global partnerships, and creating policies that make sustainability the new normal.

75 years of powering India

A future-proof grid doesn’t just happen. With a country as vast and diverse as India, challenges are ever-present: grid congestion, energy losses, and the complex integration of renewables. But progress isn’t made alone.

For more than 75 years, Hitachi Energy has been a trusted partner in India’s electrification journey, delivering cutting-edge high-voltage solutions that power industries, cities, and rural communities. From advanced gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) to pioneering eco-efficient technology, Hitachi Energy has helped build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable grid.

To celebrate this longstanding journey with India, Hitachi Energy hosted the Energy and Digital World 75 (EDW75) in 2024, a flagship event held in New Delhi that represents our commitment to advancing the energy transition for the country’s net zero journey. At EDW75, a key highlight was the world’s first EconiQ^® SF₆-free 420 kV GIS showcase. Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ high-voltage portfolio eliminates SF₆ with reliable and scalable solutions and delivers the lowest carbon footprint. Its groundbreaking technologies like EconiQ empower the nation to achieve its net zero emissions faster. As more clean energy sources are integrated into the grid, EconiQ high-voltage switchgear ensures that energy is transmitted safely, efficiently, and sustainably with minimal losses. 

Shaping a sustainable future in India is happening now

India isn’t just trying to meet today’s power needs – it’s building an energy system for the next century. It’s a story of ambition, innovation, and resilience. This means:

• Expanding ultra-high-voltage transmission lines to handle growing demand
• Accelerating the adoption of SF₆-free high-voltage switchgear like Hitachi Energy’s game-changing EconiQ technology
• Enabling a digital and more connected grid to optimize energy flow with maintenance in real-time

With high-voltage technology paving the way and renewable energy surging ahead, the nation is proving that sustainability and progress can go hand in hand. The challenges are inevitable and can be daunting, but so is the determination to build a grid that is smarter, stronger, and more sustainable than ever before.

The question is no longer whether India will rise to the challenge. It already is. The grid is evolving, its future unfolding, and India is charging forward, unstoppable.

For those looking to be a part of this exciting transformation, the energy sector offers a world of opportunities. No matter your gender, background, or expertise – the energy industry is open to all. The energy future starts with you! Check out our open job listings today.