Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal chairs meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for Ministry of Power – EQ

In Short : Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal recently chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power. The discussions focused on policies to strengthen India’s power sector, accelerate renewable energy integration, and improve electricity access nationwide. The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives and the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and sustainable energy for all.

In Detail : The Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power was held in New Delhi last evening.

Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs chaired the meeting. Minister of State for Power Shri Shripad Yesso Naik was also present.

Members of Parliament of various political parties from Lok Sabha and Rajya took part in the meeting.

The subject of the meeting was “National Electricity Plan – Generation”. Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairman CEA gave a presentation on the subject.

During the meeting, Shri Manohar Lal highlighted that power is a critical component in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047. He noted that with the rising demand for electricity, it is essential to simultaneously increase power generation. Emphasizing India’s commitment to achieving carbon net-zero, he stated that the focus would remain on non-fossil-based energy sources. The Union Minister also stressed the importance of enhancing storage capacity to ensure affordable and reliable power for everyone. Shri Manohar Lal also emphasised that state and central government needs to work in coordination to achieve the targets.

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik said that India is energy transition as per the NDCs and is on path of achieving SDGs . He also said that government is working towards skulking people in the field of energy. He said that Power ministry

National Electricity Plan is a short-term framework of five years while giving a 15-year perspective. The fourth National Electricity Plan prepared by Central Electricity Authority includes a review of the period 2017 -22, detailed capacity addition requirement during the years 2022-27 and Perspective Plan projections for the years 2027 -32.

PRESENT SCENARIO:

The installed Generation Capacity as on 31.10.2024 was 454.5 GW comprising of 243.1 GW thermal, 8.2 GW Nuclear, 203.2 Renewables including large hydro of 46.97 GW. The generation installed capacity achieved has grown at a CAGR of 5.97 % since 2014-15.

The gross generation from all the sources during the year 2023-24 was 1739 BU comprising of 1326 BU (76%) from thermal, 48 BU (3%) from Nuclear, 365 BU (21 %) from RE Sources which includes 169 (10.4 %) from Hydro.

Due to concerted efforts of the government, the gross generation has increased from 1033 BU during 2013-14 to 1739 BU in 2023- 24, which has grown at a CAGR of ~ 5.4 % since 2013-14.

The country has observed the maximum peak demand of around 250 GW in the month of May 2024 during the current year (2024-25). The peak demand has grown at a CAGR of 16 % from 2013-14 to 2023-24 while Energy Requirement has grown at a rate of 5% during 2013-’14 to 2023-24. The peak not met and energy not supplied of the country is observed to be very minimal over last five years and was on account of factors other than lack of generation capacity in the country.

Demand Projections:

As per 20th EPS report published by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the peak demand and energy requirement is around 366 GW and 2474 BU by 2031-32. The projected electrical energy requirement and peak electricity demand on all-India basis is estimated as 1908 BU and 277 GW for year 2026-27 respectively.

Energy Storage capacity is an important aspect in achieving the targets of NEP. Energy storage capacity of 16.13 GW/82.37 GWh with PSP based storage of 7.45 GW capacity and 47.65 GWh storage and BESS based storage of 8.68 GW/34.72 GWh is required by the year 2026-27.

The Projections of total capacity addition are in line with the target of the country to achieve a non-fossil based installed capacity of 500 GW by the year 2029-30.

The total fund requirement for the period 2022-2027 is estimated to be Rs 14,54,188 Crores, which also includes the likely expenditure during 2022-27 for advance action for the projects expected to get commissioned during 2027-32.

The average emission factor is expected to reduce to 0.548 kg CO2/kWh in the year 2026-27 and to 0.430 kg CO2/kWh by the end of 2031-32.

The share of non-fossil-based capacity is likely to increase to 57.4 % by the end of 2026-27 and may likely to further increase to 68.4 % by the end of 2031- 32 from around 46.5 % as on October 2024.

Members of Parliament provided several suggestions concerning various initiatives and schemes. They commended the plan for its ambitious green energy goals and achievements in electricity generation capacity. The meeting also included discussions on issues related to storage, renewable energy generation, and compensation for farmers. Shri Manohar Lal concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to the participants for their valuable contributions. He further directed officials to take appropriate actions to incorporate the suggestions made by Members of Parliament and prioritize the welfare of the people.