Overview
Ratul Puri, Chairman of Hindustan Power, highlighted in a New Delhi press release dated 15 July 2026 that India’s power sector is undergoing a structural transformation driven by rising industrial activity, expanding digital infrastructure, rapid electrification, artificial intelligence, data‑centre growth and electric‑mobility adoption. He noted that the Ministry of Power reported an all‑time peak electricity demand of 256.1 GW on 25 April 2026, underscoring the need for a more reliable and scalable energy system.
Demand Projections
According to the Central Electricity Authority’s 20th Electric Power Survey, peak demand is projected to reach approximately 446 GW by the fiscal year 2034‑35, while annual electrical energy consumption could rise to about 3,215 billion units. This upward trajectory is expected to continue over the next decade.
Integrated Energy Solution Imperative
Puri argued that while renewable‑energy capacity will keep expanding, the focus must shift toward integrating renewable generation, battery storage, transmission networks, grid‑flexibility measures and intelligent system operations. He described battery energy storage systems as crucial for balancing supply and demand, enhancing grid stability and improving renewable utilisation. Hybrid renewable projects that combine generation with storage are expected to increase operational flexibility and provide dispatchable power beyond peak solar periods.
Flexible Resources and Decarbonisation
The statement emphasized that a balanced power mix—renewables supported by storage and modern transmission, complemented by flexible resources such as hydro, pumped storage and other dispatchable technologies—will be essential for system reliability and long‑term decarbonisation goals. Emerging opportunities in green hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation and lower‑carbon energy solutions were also highlighted.
Implications for Independent Power Producers
Puri indicated that independent power producers are increasingly expected to deliver integrated solutions rather than isolated generation assets, contributing to grid flexibility and resilience. Hindustan Power, under his leadership, is strengthening its portfolio across renewable generation, battery storage and integrated infrastructure to meet these evolving requirements.
About the Speaker and Company
Ratul Puri is the Chairman of Hindustan Power, an integrated power generation company with assets in renewable and transitional energy. The company continues to invest in energy infrastructure that supports reliability, sustainability and long‑term value creation within India’s power sector.