CEA Releases INR 7.93 Lakh Crore Transmission Plan for 900 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity by FY36

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released its 'Transmission Plan for Integration of over 900 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity by 2035-36', laying out one of India’s largest-ever grid expansion programmes to support the country’s clean energy transition.

The plan, released in March 2026, proposes development of transmission infrastructure capable of integrating more than 900 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation by FY36. It follows the earlier transmission roadmap prepared for integration of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

According to the CEA, the plan has been designed with a substantial buffer over projected renewable energy requirements. While India’s generation planning studies estimate that around 786 GW of non-fossil capacity will be required by 2035-36, the transmission system has been planned for approximately 914 GW. The additional margin of around 115 GW is intended to avoid renewable energy evacuation constraints and minimise the risk of power curtailment in future.

The authority said the approach is necessary because transmission projects generally require a longer gestation period than renewable energy generation projects. As a result, the grid must be planned well in advance so that evacuation infrastructure is available before new solar, wind, hydro and storage projects are commissioned.

Under the plan, India will add around 137,500 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 827,600 MVA of substation transformation capacity between FY27 and FY36. The total estimated investment required for this expansion has been pegged at INR 7.93 lakh crore, equivalent to nearly USD 85 billion.

CEA estimates show that India’s peak electricity demand could rise to 459 GW by 2035-36, while total energy requirement may reach 3,365 billion units. To meet this demand, the country’s total installed generation capacity is expected to rise to about 1,121 GW by FY36.

Of this projected installed capacity, around 786 GW is expected to come from non-fossil fuel sources. Solar energy is likely to contribute the largest share at around 509 GW, followed by 155 GW of wind capacity. The balance is expected to come from hydro, nuclear, battery energy storage systems and other clean energy technologies.

As of February 2026, India’s non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity stood at about 275 GW, accounting for nearly 52.5 percent of the country’s total installed generation capacity.

The transmission blueprint identifies several renewable energy-rich regions where major interstate transmission system infrastructure will be required.

In Rajasthan, which remains India’s largest solar development hub, the plan provides for evacuation of 118.7 GW of renewable energy capacity. Of this, 58.7 GW is already under implementation or planning, while another 60 GW is proposed to be connected through six new high-voltage direct current corridors.

The plan also includes a dedicated transmission system for a proposed 9 GW solar power project in Leh, Ladakh, aimed at transporting power from the region to northern demand centres.

In Gujarat, transmission infrastructure has been proposed for integration of 64.8 GW of renewable capacity, including around 5 GW of offshore wind projects. Maharashtra will require transmission systems for 9.75 GW of renewable capacity, while Madhya Pradesh has been allocated network planning for 19.28 GW.

The southern region will also see significant transmission additions. Andhra Pradesh is expected to require transmission infrastructure for 53.4 GW of renewable capacity, Karnataka for 31.24 GW, Telangana for 13 GW and Tamil Nadu for 8.38 GW, including around 5 GW of offshore wind capacity.

Alongside interstate transmission development, the plan highlights the need to strengthen intra-state networks through the Green Energy Corridor programme.

The second phase of the Green Energy Corridor scheme, currently under implementation, is expected to facilitate integration of about 19.4 GW of renewable energy capacity into state transmission systems.

The proposed third phase, GEC-III, is expected to play a much larger role. It has been designed to support evacuation of an additional 134.7 GW of renewable energy from solar, wind and hydro projects across 24 states.

Under GEC-III, around 51,126 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 228,903 MVA of substation capacity are proposed. The scheme is also expected to support nearly 44.8 GWh of battery energy storage system capacity.

The CEA has also included plans for integration of other non-fossil generation sources beyond solar and wind. Transmission systems have been planned or are under planning for about 25.7 GW of additional hydroelectric capacity and 7 GW of nuclear generation capacity.

The authority further noted that around 31.5 GW of spare transmission margin is already available at existing interstate substations. This capacity can be used to connect additional renewable energy projects without requiring immediate new transmission investment.

To improve utilisation of transmission infrastructure, the plan proposes an operational framework based on “solar hours” and “non-solar hours”. Under this arrangement, transmission corridors primarily used by solar projects during the daytime can be shared with wind projects and battery storage systems during non-solar hours.

The CEA said implementation of the transmission plan will be taken up progressively in line with the actual pace of renewable energy capacity addition in the country. The authority added that the phased approach will help ensure timely grid development while avoiding unnecessary over-investment.

The roadmap is expected to serve as the backbone for India’s long-term clean energy ambitions and support the country’s target of creating a reliable, flexible and renewable-heavy electricity system by 2035-36.