132 GW of electricity capacity under construction, 517 GW capacity anticipated to be added by 2031-2032: Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister – EQ

In Short : As of the latest information provided by the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister, there are currently 132 GW of electricity capacity under construction. Additionally, there are ambitious plans to add 517 GW of capacity by the fiscal year 2031-2032. This indicates a significant commitment to expanding the power infrastructure, meeting growing energy demands, and ensuring energy security in the foreseeable future.

In Detail : “Energy security of the country cannot be achieved by renewable sources of energy alone; dependence on coal-based generation is likely to continue till cost-effective energy storage solutions are available”

The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has informed that the country needs 24×7 availability of power for its economic growth. Energy security of the country cannot be achieved by renewable sources of energy alone because solar power is not available round the clock and wind energy is intermittent in nature. To meet our requirements, we need to add capacity which can provide round-the-clock power. Also, large-scale integration of variable and intermittent renewable energy resources with the grid requires power sources which can act as base load and balance the grid for grid stability. Hence, dependence on coal-based generation is likely to continue till cost-effective energy storage solutions are available.

The power demand of the country is increasing rapidly because we have added 2.86 crore new consumers and because our economy is growing rapidly. The peak demand during the FY 2013-14 was 1,35,000 MW. The peak demand during the current financial year (till Nov. 2023) has increased to 2,43,000 MW. The projected peak demand as per the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) will be 2,77,200 MW in FY 2026-27 and 3,66,400MW in FY 2031-32.

As per the National Electricity Plan, the installed capacity requirement for the year 2031-32 is likely to be 9,00,422 MW, comprising 2,84,467 MW of fossil-based capacity (Coal & Lignite-2,59,643 MW, Gas–24,824 MW) and 6,15,955 MW of non-fossil-based capacity (Nuclear-19,680 MW, Large Hydro – 62,178 MW, Solar – 364,566 MW, Wind – 121,895 MW, Small Hydro – 5450 MW, Biomass – 15,500 MW, Pumped Storage Projects – 26,686 MW) along with Battery Energy Storage System capacity of 47,244 MW / 236,220 MWh).

As per the generation planning studies carried out by Central Electricity Authority, the required coal based installed capacity will be at 2,83,000 MW by FY 2032 as against the present installed capacity of 214000 MW.

In order to achieve the projected requirement of 283000 MW of coal/lignite-based capacity by 2032, additional 80000 MW of coal &lignite-based capacity is planned. Against this requirement, 27180 MW is under construction; 31010 MW is under advanced stages of planning/ development; and 29720 MW capacity is further identified for development to meet the target of a minimum 80000MW of coal-based capacity addition by 2031-2032.

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has prepared a report after studying various aspects of Renovation & Modernization and Life Extension of Coal based power plants in August 2023 and the same has been circulated by MoP to all power utilities wherein CEA has identified 148 units with total capacity of 38150 MW as potential candidates for R&M/LE works. The Phasing Plan for implementation of R&M/LE at 148 units was prepared in consultation with central, state & private power utilities.

Further, CEA vide letters dated 20.01.2023 and 07.07.2023 issued an advisory to all the Thermal Power Utilities not to retire or repurpose their coal-based power stations before 2030 and to ensure the availability of thermal units after carrying out R&M activities, if required, keeping in view the expected energy demand scenario and availability of capacity.

Total installed Thermal Capacity (Coal & Lignite, Gas and Diesel) is 2,39,072 MW which includes Odisha (9540 MW) and Maharashtra (27063 MW). A detailed list is given in Annexure.

In order to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the nation’s growth, the anticipated capacity addition between 2023-32 is given below:

27180 MW of Thermal Capacity is under construction and the total anticipated Thermal capacity addition by 2031-2032 is likely to be 87910MW
18033.5 MW of Hydro Capacity (including stalled projects) is under construction and the total anticipated Hydro capacity addition by 2031-2032 is likely to be 42014 MW.
8000 MW of Nuclear Capacity is under construction and the total anticipated Nuclear capacity addition by 2031-2032 is likely to be 12200 MW.
78935 MW of Renewable Energy Capacity is under construction and the anticipated RE capacity addition by 2031-32 will be 375279 MW.

Thus, total 132148.5 MW of Capacity is under construction and the total anticipated capacity addition by 2031-2032 is likely to be 517403 MW.

This information has been given by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh, in a written reply to a question, in Lok Sabha on December 14, 2023.