For decades, India’s electricity system has suffered from power shortfalls. However, in the last few years that problem has decreased, due to governmental schemes focusing on electrification, and an ambitious target that aims at installing 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity by 2022. And while renewable energy will not be able to entirely displace coal in the short run, it is becoming increasingly important. India is seeking global leadership in combating climate change, energy security, drawing more (and newer) sources of capital, and simply more electricity at lower prices. To achieve these aims, India must focus on developing smart grids, deal with the intermittent nature for tapping wind and solar energy, and on technologies to store electricity.

In order to achieve these targets, and ‘power up’ India, Smart Cities Council India will be exploring how to meet India’s energy needs, both short-term and long-term, as we head into a new age of power and energy in the world.