India and Saudi Arabia review their proposed electrical interconnection project and explore cooperation in EHV transmission, renewable energy, data centres and grid modernisation.
New Delhi: India and Saudi Arabia have reviewed the progress of the proposed India–Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection initiative, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the power sector. The discussions also explored opportunities for technical collaboration in high-voltage transmission, renewable energy integration, data centre power requirements and modernisation of grid codes.
Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, held a virtual bilateral meeting with H.E. Eng. Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to review the initiative and discuss ways to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries.
India-Saudi Arabia Electrical Interconnection Project
The proposed electrical interconnection between India and Saudi Arabia has the potential to open new avenues for bilateral power-sector cooperation. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the project’s progress, exchanged views on the way forward and emphasised the need for sustained engagement to advance the initiative.
The proposed interconnection represents an important area of cooperation as both countries explore opportunities to strengthen their electricity infrastructure and address evolving energy requirements.
Focus on High-Voltage Transmission and Renewable Energy
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, with an emphasis on technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices.
The Saudi Arabian side expressed interest in enhanced cooperation in Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission systems. Discussions also covered technical and operational challenges associated with the increasing penetration of renewable energy into electricity grids.
As renewable energy capacity expands, grid operators face the challenge of maintaining system stability, reliability and efficient power transmission. Sharing technical expertise and operational experience could help both countries address these emerging requirements.
Data Centres and Modernisation of Grid Codes
Another key area of discussion was the growing electricity demand from data centres. With the expansion of digital infrastructure and data-intensive technologies, ensuring reliable and adequate power supply to data centres is becoming increasingly important.
The two sides explored strategies for accommodating the rising power requirements of these facilities.
They also discussed updating grid codes to address evolving power-system requirements. Modern grid codes play an important role in maintaining grid stability, supporting renewable energy integration and ensuring reliable electricity supply as power systems become more complex.
India-Saudi Arabia Partnership in the Power Sector
The meeting highlighted the growing scope for India and Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation beyond the proposed electrical interconnection initiative. Technical collaboration, knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices are expected to remain important areas of engagement.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue and advancing cooperation in the power sector.
The discussions mark another step in exploring opportunities to strengthen India–Saudi Arabia energy ties, with a focus on electricity infrastructure, renewable energy integration, transmission technologies and the changing power needs of modern economies.