India, US explore collaboration in grid modernisation

They also discussed possible financial support for system upgrade.

Top officials from India and the US recently met and discussed opportunities the two countries can tap to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. 

In a statement, the Ministry of Power said Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal, accompanied by MoS Power and New & by Renewable Energy Shripad Naik and other senior officials, held a discussion with the US delegation led by John Podesta, senior advisor to the President for International Climate Policy.

One of the key topics of the meeting was grid and transmission modernisation. The parties looked into possible technical exchanges on efforts to upgrade grid transmission to handle future load growth. They also covered policy consultations and potential financial support to advance these modernisation efforts.

The officials also tackled possible partnerships on long-duration energy storage studies, with further collaboration on grid-scale battery storage solutions.

India and the US also discussed boosting India's manufacturing of large transformers and air conditioning/fan systems.

Prior to this, India has approved projects worth $428.4m for the modernisation and upgrade of power distribution infrastructure in Gurugram and Faridabad districts. This allocation will ensure reliable electricity in the districts where demand is growing at 8% to 10% annually, the power ministry said.