The head of the Ministry of Power’s technical advisory body emphasised that a strong transmission framework is central to regional integration.
South Asia must accelerate hydropower development, large‑scale storage deployment, and dynamic cross‑border transmission planning to enable next‑generation regional power integration, according to the head of the Ministry of Power’s technical advisory body.
Speaking at the 10th South Asia Power Summit organised by the industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), said,
“South Asia’s energy cooperation has evolved over decades, from small exchanges to strategic engagements. The opportunity is immense.”
He emphasised that countries in the region must recognise that transmission is at the heart of regional integration.
“India now updates its resource adequacy and interstate transmission plans regularly. Cross‑border planning with Bhutan and Nepal must adopt the same dynamism,” he said.
Prasad added that rapid growth in both conventional hydropower and pumped storage is critical to support India’s renewable energy ambitions. India’s assessed pumped storage potential has expanded significantly.
“This expansion is complemented by unprecedented growth in solar and wind. These are critical in meeting rising demand from electric vehicles and data centres.”
He noted that these new sectors require reliable, round‑the‑clock green power, achievable only through a calibrated mix of solar, wind, hydro, pumped storage, and battery systems.
Prasad also called for deeper market participation across the region.
“While long‑term PPAs remain essential, market‑linked renewable procurement and spot trading provide flexible alternatives for buyers and generators.”
Highlighting the importance of expanding cross‑border corridors, he said global experience shows that regional integration, including time‑zone diversity, reduces storage needs and lowers costs. He urged stakeholders to integrate emerging demand segments such as EVs and data centres into regional cooperation frameworks.