India to add 80 GW thermal capacity by 2031 to 2032

A total of 27 GW of thermal projects are under construction.

Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh said in a meeting with power sector stakeholders that the government will be adding 80 gigawatts (GW) of thermal capacity by 2031 to 2032 due to rising demand.

“India needs 24x7 availability of power for its economic growth; and we are not going to compromise on availability of power for our growth. This power cannot be achieved by renewable energy sources alone,” he said.

ALSO READ:India could save $29b through shift to biogas

“Since nuclear capacity cannot be added at a rapid pace, we have to add coal-based thermal capacity for meeting our energy needs,” the minister added.

Singh said that 27 GW were already under construction and it would add around 55 GW to 60 GW more thermal power.

India currently has 214 GW of required coal and lignite-based installed capacity. The capacity is expected to reach 283 GW by 2031 to 2032 under the National Electricity Plan.