India, Saudi Arabia Review Progress on Proposed Power Grid Link

India and Saudi Arabia reviewed their proposed electricity interconnection project, discussing high-voltage transmission, renewable energy integration, data-centre power demand and wider cooperation in the power sector.

India and Saudi Arabia have reviewed progress on a proposed electrical interconnection project and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in the power sector. The discussions, held virtually, reflect both countries’ efforts to strengthen energy ties and advance collaboration in electricity transmission, renewable energy integration and grid infrastructure.

Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Power, held the meeting with Nasser Al-Qahtani, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs. Both sides discussed the next steps for the proposed interconnection and emphasised the importance of continued engagement to advance the initiative.

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The two countries also explored broader technical cooperation, including knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. Saudi Arabia expressed interest in strengthening collaboration on extra-high-voltage (EHV) transmission systems, which support the movement of electricity over long distances.

Another key area of discussion was the integration of higher levels of renewable energy into electricity grids. As solar and wind power expand, grid operators face technical and operational challenges in maintaining stable and reliable electricity supplies. Cooperation on grid management and updated technical standards could help both countries address these evolving requirements.

The discussions also covered strategies to accommodate the growing electricity demand of emerging data centres. These facilities require substantial and reliable power supplies, making transmission infrastructure and grid planning increasingly important for governments and utilities.

The proposed project builds on an energy cooperation framework established by India and Saudi Arabia in 2023. The memorandum of understanding covered electrical interconnection, green and clean hydrogen, renewable energy and the development of reliable supply chains for relevant materials. It also envisaged electricity exchanges during peak demand periods and emergencies, alongside opportunities for joint project development.

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The latest meeting represents continued discussions rather than the completion of the project. Details such as the final route, capacity, cost and commissioning schedule have not been announced in the latest official statement.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue, with the initiative offering potential opportunities to strengthen energy security, improve power-system flexibility and deepen bilateral cooperation as electricity demand and renewable energy deployment increase.