Saudi Arabia and UAE Consider Importing Power from India

India is embarking on a transformative journey to become a major electricity exporter, with ambitious plans to supply power to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through groundbreaking undersea High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) cables.

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar confirmed that joint venture agreements have been officially signed with both nations, signaling a significant step forward in this intercontinental energy partnership. Under these agreements, India is set to export a substantial 2 Gigawatts (GW) of electricity to each country. These projects represent not just an expansion of energy trade but also a deeper integration of regional energy markets.

Key Highlights:

• Massive Investment:

• The 1,700-kilometer subsea cable to Saudi Arabia is estimated to cost approximately INR 470 billion ($5.5 billion).
• The 1,400-kilometer subsea cable to the UAE is projected to cost around INR 435 billion ($5 billion).
• The total estimated investment for these two critical transmission infrastructure projects is approximately INR 90,000 crore ($10.5 billion).

• Leveraging India's Energy Surplus:

• India's installed power capacity has reached 476 GW as of June 2025, with a significant 49% (235.7 GW) derived from non-fossil fuel sources, including 226.9 GW from renewables and 8.8 GW from nuclear power.
• The nation achieved a record peak power demand of 241 GW on  2025, with no reported shortages, underscoring its robust generation capabilities.
• India recorded its highest-ever annual capacity addition of 34 GW in fiscal year 2024-25, with renewables contributing the lion's share at 29.5 GW.
• The government's push to boost electricity exports is a strategic move to optimize its growing energy surplus.

• Advanced Transmission Technology:

• The projects will utilize High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, which is ideal for efficient long-distance power transmission, especially for undersea applications, minimizing energy losses.
• Recent advancements in HVDC technology, such as improved insulation materials like cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and the development of modular multilevel converters (MMCs), enhance the reliability and efficiency of these systems.
• Future integrations may include optical fibers within cables for real-time monitoring and control, leveraging data for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.

• Long-Term Vision and Timeline:

• These complex projects are expected to take approximately six years to complete from the point of receiving all necessary regulatory and technical clearances.

This strategic move is expected to not only enhance energy ties between India and the Gulf nations but also set a precedent for future intercontinental power grid developments, supporting global efforts towards a cleaner and more integrated energy future.