Powering India’s Energy Transition: Steam Turbines as Pillars of a Decarbonised and Resilient Grid
India’s power grid today is also under unprecedented pressure as the peak demand has crossed 370 GW, driven by urbanisation, electrification of transport and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. As consumption patterns become more dynamic, grid stability is no longer optional but essential.
May 14, 2026. By News Bureau
The most significant achievement was made in mid-2025 when the cumulative installed power capacity in India touched the 50 percent mark from non-fossil fuel-based sources. This is a truly commendable achievement for a developing country with increasing demands for energy. However, the most significant task is to ensure the stability of the power grid, especially when the renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are intermittent in nature, and this is only the beginning of capacity addition. Steam turbines have a significant role to play in this area, especially in hybrid power stations where they offer a stable base and balancing power that can be used to supplement the energy generated from renewable energy sources.
India’s power grid today is also under unprecedented pressure as the peak demand has crossed 370 GW, driven by urbanisation, electrification of transport and the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. As consumption patterns become more dynamic, grid stability is no longer optional but essential. Steam turbines, especially in industrial and captive power setups, act as dependable backstops during demand surges or renewable shortfalls. Their ability to deliver consistent output over long operating cycles makes them indispensable for maintaining frequency stability and avoiding disruptions in an increasingly complex grid environment.
This functional significance is evident in the market momentum. The Indian steam turbine market is expected to reach close to USD 1.3 billion by 2031, driven by three major trends: industrial combined heat and power (CHP) solutions, efficiency enhancements of existing power plants and the integration of renewable and waste-based energy sources. Industries are increasingly looking for solutions that help minimise energy expenses while decreasing carbon emissions. High-efficiency steam turbines exactly facilitate this requirement by maximising the potential of thermal energy that is otherwise wasted.
The debate on decarbonisation cannot be limited to the topic of decarbonisation. The concept of the circular economy must also be considered. Steam turbines are on the verge of harnessing the power of waste energy, whether it is from biomass, industrial waste or waste-to-energy plants. This not only helps in lessening the reliance on fossil fuels but also addresses critical issues such as the filling up of landfills and the disposal of industrial waste. This is very beneficial for a country like India, where the issue of sustainability is inextricably tied to size.
Another tailwind in policy guidance is a strong force in the energy transition in India that is being actively promoted through a change in capital allocation, from fossil fuel subsidies to cleaner sources. With an estimated allocation of USD 62 billion for energy transition projects, nuclear power, green hydrogen and clean thermal technologies are picking up pace. Steam turbines are an integral part of these areas, with mature and flexible technology that can be efficiently used across fuel sources and applications. This makes them highly relevant to India’s net-zero target by 2070.
The realisation that decarbonisation does not imply the overnight teardown of existing infrastructure also promotes this approach. It involves the upgrade, integration and transformation of existing infrastructure and steam turbines represent this approach. They are not a transitional compromise, but a resource that has the potential to keep pace with new fuels, new efficiency norms and new monitoring technologies.
Resilience will be as important as sustainability in the next generation of power infrastructure that India is developing. Weather-related disruptions, variability and geopolitical risks make a compelling case for a diversified and robust energy infrastructure. Steam turbines represent this robustness, whether in the form of renewable energy clusters, industrialisation or waste-to-energy projects.
The energy transition in India is a collective national effort that demands the cooperation of policymakers, industry and technology companies. By leveraging engineering prowess and a long-term vision, we can ensure that clean energy is not only accessible but also reliable and affordable for all. Steam turbines may not always be in the limelight, but they are definitely at the core of the India power story, silently driving progress and enabling the country’s transition to a low-carbon, resilient future.
- S.N. Prasad, Chief Executive Officer, Triveni Turbine Ltd.
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