
Govt set to launch digital platform for power sector soon
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New Delhi: The government is working to launch a digital platform to enhance coordination, data sharing, and innovation in the power sector.The plan will be led by a 17-member task force comprising Nandan Nilekani , non-executive chairman of Infosys; Ram Sewak Sharma, former director general of UIDAI as the chairperson, and PK Pujari, former power secretary as the vice chair.The India Energy Stack digital public infrastructure will aim to tackle key challenges such as fragmented systems, and support India's push towards a $5 trillion economy and net zero targets, the power ministry said on Saturday.Rapid growth in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and consumer participation in energy markets is transforming the sector, but fragmented systems and a lack of seamless digital integration remain key barriers, it said.

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