The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has initiated a crucial exercise to identify and bridge a significant gap between the research requirements of India's power industry and the work currently being done by academic institutions. This move is part of the process to draft the next National Electricity Plan (NEP), which will chart the course for the country's power sector from 2027-28 to 2036-37.
A Sub-Committee Flags Critical Disconnect
In preparation for the decade-long plan, the CEA formed a panel, which subsequently created 11 sub-committees to examine different segments of the power sector. The sub-committee dedicated to research and development, chaired by the Director General of the Central Power Research Institute, recently held a meeting. It included members from academia, industry, and other institutions.
The committee observed a clear mismatch between the pressing research needs of the power industry and the academic research currently being pursued. This disconnect highlights a potential obstacle in developing the innovative technologies required for a robust and future-ready electricity grid.
Call for Collaboration and Funding
The sub-committee emphasized several key points to rectify this situation. It underlined the urgent need for adequate funding directed towards breakthrough and transformative technologies. Furthermore, it stressed that manufacturing deliverables must be integrated with research and development activities. This integration is seen as vital for building complete, end-to-end capabilities within the Indian power sector.
"The objective is to strengthen collaboration between industry and research institutions, encourage greater engagement of academia with industry stakeholders, and secure industry participation in terms of resources," the CEA stated in a communication.
Stakeholder Inputs Sought for National Electricity Plan
In response to these findings, the CEA has now proactively reached out to all stakeholders, seeking their constructive suggestions to bridge this identified gap. The authority is acting under the mandate of the national electricity policy, which is notified once every five years. The proposals received will be discussed in the sub-committee's next meeting, directly influencing the formulation of the upcoming National Electricity Plan.
This consultative approach aims to create a more aligned and practical roadmap for power sector research in India, ensuring that academic efforts translate into tangible solutions for the industry's evolving challenges over the next decade.
