Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Director General of Power Foundation of India and former POWERGRID Chairman & Managing Director, has been elected to the Administrative Council of CIGRE, strengthening India’s representation in the global electricity sector.
Paris, France, August 26, 2026: Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Director General of the Power Foundation of India (PFI) and former Chairman and Managing Director of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), has been elected as a Member of the Administrative Council of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) during the ongoing CIGRE Session in Paris, France.
The election marks a significant recognition of Dr. Tyagi’s extensive experience and leadership in India’s power transmission and electricity sector. It also strengthens India’s representation in one of the world’s leading international platforms focused on the development and evolution of power systems.
CIGRE Administrative Council: A Key Global Governance Body
The CIGRE Administrative Council is one of the organisation’s key governance bodies. It provides strategic direction and oversees CIGRE’s activities, programmes and international engagement related to large electric power systems.
Dr. Tyagi’s election is particularly significant as the global electricity sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Power systems worldwide are adapting to the growing integration of renewable energy, increasing electricity demand, energy storage, grid modernisation, digital technologies and the need for more resilient and flexible electricity networks.
His new role will provide an important platform for India to contribute its experience and perspectives to international discussions concerning the future of electricity systems.
India’s Growing Role in the Global Power Sector
India has been rapidly expanding and modernising its electricity infrastructure while increasing the share of renewable energy in its power mix. The country’s experience in developing large transmission networks, integrating renewable power and managing a rapidly growing electricity demand provides valuable lessons for the international power community.
Dr. Tyagi’s election is expected to further strengthen engagement between Indian power-sector institutions and global stakeholders involved in electricity transmission, grid planning, system operation and emerging energy technologies.
It will also provide opportunities for Indian experts and institutions to participate more actively in global technical and policy discussions.
Dr. R.K. Tyagi’s Statement
Commenting on his election, Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Director General of Power Foundation of India, said:
“I am honoured to have been elected to the Administrative Council of CIGRE. This is an important responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on the evolution of power systems.”
He further noted that India’s power sector is undergoing significant transformation and said he looks forward to bringing India’s experiences and perspectives to the international platform while learning from developments and best practices from across the world.
Significance Amid Global Power-System Transformation
The global electricity industry is currently witnessing several structural changes, including:
- Rapid deployment of renewable energy
- Modernisation of electricity transmission and distribution networks
- Increasing adoption of battery and other energy-storage technologies
- Digitalisation of power-grid operations
- Greater use of smart-grid technologies
- Rising demand for reliable and resilient electricity infrastructure
- Integration of variable renewable sources such as solar and wind
- Growing importance of flexible power systems
These developments are creating new technical and operational challenges for utilities, transmission companies, regulators and policymakers.
Against this backdrop, participation by experienced professionals from India in CIGRE’s governance and technical activities can help strengthen international knowledge-sharing and cooperation.
Former POWERGRID CMD with Extensive Power-Sector Experience
Dr. R.K. Tyagi brings extensive experience from India’s power transmission sector. Before serving as Director General of the Power Foundation of India, he served as Chairman and Managing Director of POWERGRID, one of India’s key electricity transmission organisations.
His experience in the transmission sector gives him an understanding of large-scale grid development, power-system planning and the challenges associated with integrating new sources of electricity into the national grid.
His election to the CIGRE Administrative Council therefore represents both an individual professional milestone and an important opportunity for greater Indian participation in global power-sector discussions.
What is CIGRE?
The International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) is a global community focused on knowledge-sharing and technical cooperation in the field of high-voltage electricity systems.
Its activities bring together experts, utilities, manufacturers, researchers, academics and other stakeholders working on various aspects of power systems.
The organisation provides an international platform for discussing technological developments, operational challenges, research findings and emerging trends affecting the electricity sector.
Strengthening India’s Global Electricity Engagement
Dr. Tyagi’s election is expected to contribute to stronger collaboration between India and the international electricity community.
It can help Indian power-sector stakeholders share their experience in areas such as large-scale transmission development, renewable-energy integration and grid modernisation, while also gaining exposure to international approaches and emerging technologies.
The development comes at a time when electricity infrastructure is becoming increasingly important to economic growth, industrial development and the global transition towards cleaner energy.
A Significant Recognition for India’s Power Sector
Dr. R.K. Tyagi’s election to the CIGRE Administrative Council highlights the growing recognition of India’s expertise and experience in the global electricity sector.
It also provides India with an additional platform to participate in discussions shaping the future of power systems, particularly in areas involving renewable integration, grid resilience, energy storage, digitalisation and sustainable electricity infrastructure.
The election is therefore significant not only for Dr. Tyagi but also for India’s growing presence in the international power and energy community.
