India has set a massive target to reach 100 GW of Hydro Pumped Storage capacity by 2036. This announcement came during a two-day "Chintan Shivir" (brainstorming session) organised by the Ministry of Power, which concluded today in Parwanoo.
Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal led the event, joined by state officials and industry leaders. The group met to discuss the future of India’s energy sector and how to provide clean, affordable power for all. 
AI image (India’s 100 GW Power Play: New Hydro Roadmap and DISCOM Rankings Revealed)


A Roadmap for Energy Storage

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) released a key report titled "Roadmap to 100 GW of Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) by 2035–36." This plan is vital because India is moving quickly toward renewable energy. Since the sun does not always shine and wind does not always blow, the country needs large-scale ways to store electricity.
The report highlights:
  • Growing Needs: India will require 62 GW of storage by 2030 and 161 GW by 2035.
  • Clean Technology: Pumped storage is a proven, long-life solution that uses mostly local technology.
  • Phased Growth: The government will promote "closed-loop" projects to keep the power grid stable.

Top Performing Power Utilities

The Ministry also released the 14th Integrated Rating and Ranking Report for power distribution companies (DISCOMs). This report checks how well these companies serve customers and manage their finances.
Out of 65 utilities, 31 earned an 'A+' or 'A' rating. For the current year, Torrent Power Ahmedabad and Torrent Power Surat took the top spots. Among government-owned companies, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL) was the best performer.

New Laws and Policies

On the first day, leaders discussed the Draft Electricity Amendment Bill 2026 and the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026. These new rules aim to make the power sector more modern and efficient.
Key goals include:
  • Higher Consumption: Increasing electricity use to 2,000 units per person by 2030.
  • Net Zero Goals: Reducing carbon emissions to reach "net-zero" by 2070.
  • Nuclear Energy: Speeding up the building of nuclear power plants.
  • Lower Costs: Reducing legal disputes and making it easier for companies to do business.
Minister Manohar Lal asked all states and industries to work together. He emphasized that collaboration is the only way to make India a global leader in the power sector.