CEA AI conclave in New Delhi sets roadmap to modernise India's power sector
The two-day summit at the Manekshaw Centre will bring together policymakers, utilities and tech providers to deploy artificial intelligence across the national grid.
The Central Electricity Authority is convening a two-day international conclave in New Delhi on October 14 and 15, 2026, to accelerate the rollout of artificial intelligence across the country's electrical infrastructure.
Running under the title "Making Indian Power Sector AI Enabled" at the Manekshaw Centre, the conference and exhibition marks a concerted drive by the Ministry of Power to modernise grid systems, improve supply reliability, and integrate record volumes of clean energy into the national network.
What the conclave covers
The summit brings together Union ministers, central and state policymakers, grid operators, research institutes, and technology companies to map out practical deployments of machine learning and predictive analytics across generation, transmission, and retail distribution.
Discussions will centre on using automated algorithms to forecast renewable generation, stabilise grid frequencies in real time, and schedule conventional power plants with minimal fuel waste. Sessions will also address microgrids, rooftop solar management, demand response tools for consumers, and energy efficiency within green data centres.
| Power sector segment | Primary AI deployment focus |
|---|---|
| Power generation | Predictive maintenance and plant efficiency |
| Renewable energy | Solar and wind output forecasting |
| Transmission grid | Real-time load balancing and rapid system restoration |
| Local distribution | Smart metering, rooftop solar sync, and demand response |
| Network security | Automated threat detection for critical infrastructure |
Strengthening grid security and national growth
With power networks becoming increasingly interconnected and digitised, cybersecurity forms a primary pillar of the conclave. Sessions will examine automated security protocols designed to protect critical utility assets against digital disruption.
The push fits into India's broader development commitments, notably the Viksit Bharat 2047 economic roadmap and the national pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. By modernising infrastructure operations, the Central Electricity Authority aims to lower technical losses, handle surging industrial demand, and keep electricity delivery robust nationwide.
What happens next
Alongside policy roundtables, the event will host an engineering exhibition showcasing AI-driven utility hardware and software platforms developed by domestic and global vendors.
A dedicated youth track on innovation and power sector opportunities will also run during the two days, connecting young engineers and entrepreneurs with utility executives and research institutions. The Central Electricity Authority has opened delegate registration for industry stakeholders and researchers through its official website.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Event dates | October 14–15, 2026 | Central Electricity Authority |
| Venue | Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi | Central Electricity Authority |
| Net-zero target year | 2070 | Government of India |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Central Electricity Authority | Statutory body under the Ministry of Power organising the AI conclave. |
