PHDCCI and GIZ to jointly work for promotion of RE and smooth energy transition

PHDCCI and GIZ to jointly work for promotion of RE and smooth energy transition

Speaking at the PHDCCI – GIZ Workshop on Energy Transition with DISCOMs, Mr Salil Gupta, Chair, Power Committee, PHDCCI, stated that energy transition is not merely a technological shift but a comprehensive transformation of our energy ecosystem—one that demands new business models, regulatory frameworks, and operational paradigms. India’s power distribution sector faces unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. Despite significant reforms over the past decades, many DISCOMs continue to struggle with financial viability, operational inefficiencies, and the complex task of balancing social obligations with commercial sustainability. He announced that PHDCCI and GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation) will work together for the promotion of RE and smooth energy transition. The conclave was attended by 150 delegates physically/virtually.

Mr P R Kumar, Co-Chair, Power Committee, PHDCCI & MD & CEO, Noida Power Company Ltd, in his Special address observed that India should not copy the energy transition and sustainability path in Power sector of developed countries as their per capita incomes are much higher. DISCOMs should take a lead in RPO compliance for which grid infra needs to be modernised. DISCOMs have to act as an enabler for energy transition and collaboration between DISCOMs, industry, regulators and policy makers is required for creating financially strong and sustainable DISCOMs in India.

The BSES spokesperson who addressed the Workshop stated that DISCOMs are the link between grid and customers and have the most important role to play in sustainability in power sector. He spoke about the Energy Trilemma – Energy Security-Energy Equity and Energy Sustainability with affordability. He gave a brief about BRPL’s initiatives in promotion of RE and informed that they have now started installing energy storage projects in Delhi, which are essential for creating sustainable DISCOMs and are signing Green PPAs as also adding distributed RE. As a next step, he suggested District Cooling and Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) in new colonies to decongest the grid. He termed Peer to Peer power trading as a game changer and called for creating an energy trading system (UEI) on the lines of UPI to create equitable and sustainable power distribution in India.

Mr Kuldeep Sharma, Head – Energy Transition with DISCOMs, GIZ INDIA, in his Keynote Address gave a brief about the initiatives of GIZ in transforming DISOCMs in India. He informed that GIZ has worked with 13 states and 26 DISCOMs in India and has been supporting the decarbonisation journey in India in the transport and energy sector. He conveyed that India can only achieve net zero by 2070 goal if the DISCOMs are sustainable.