As India’s data centre ecosystem expands at a record pace and pushes electricity consumption to new heights, energy specialists say the country is in a rare position to take advantage of its existing power surplus.
Experts argue that India could position itself as a global powerhouse by treating electricity as a marketable resource and showcasing its ability to satisfy both domestic and international energy requirements.
At the National Conference on AI and Machine Learning-Based Solutions in the Power Sector, REC Limited Chairman and Managing Director Jitendra Srivastava stressed that the boom in artificial intelligence and data storage facilities is reshaping the energy landscape. “The surge in AI, the massive rise in data centres, and the enormous power needed to run them signal a future where electricity becomes a form of currency,” he said. “India holds a significant edge due to its surplus generation capacity. We are ready to lead the world and demonstrate that power can be traded like any other commodity.”
The conference aimed to bring solution developers and power distribution companies together, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Speaking to ANI, Shashank Mishra, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power, said the event provides a common space for technology providers and discoms to exchange ideas and build new solutions. “We are showcasing a range of innovative concepts, and the most impactful ones will be recognised by the Minister of Power,” he said, calling the initiative potentially transformative.
Highlighting the growing relevance of data-driven systems, Srivastava noted that the Ministry of Power is advancing reforms under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with nationwide smart metering serving as a central component.
He stressed that smart meters deliver true value only when combined with cutting-edge data analytics. “To fully realise the benefits of smart metering, AI and machine learning must be integrated,” he said, adding that such technologies can strengthen the distribution network through theft detection, load forecasting, and load management.
The conference also seeks to demonstrate how AI- and ML-enabled tools can improve consumer services, enhance regulatory oversight, and increase operational efficiency for distribution companies. “The workshop showcases how smart meter data can be transformed into actionable insights for consumers, regulators, discoms, and other stakeholders,” Srivastava explained.
India has made notable strides in its power sector, managing to address rising electricity demand while advancing its sustainability agenda. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), emerging and developing economies will account for 85 per cent of global electricity demand growth over the next three years—placing India at the centre of the energy transition.
Driven by consistent economic expansion, India’s energy demand is projected to grow faster than that of any major economy, with its share in global primary energy use expected to double by 2035.
As of June 2025, the nation’s installed power capacity reached 476 GW. Power shortages have dropped dramatically, falling from 4.2 per cent in 2013–14 to just 0.1 per cent in 2024–25.
