India will set up more coal-fired power projects

India has installed power generation capacity of about 426 GW, including more than 213 GW of coal and lignite-based projects

Ramping Up Coal-based Power

• 91 GW of coal-based power with investment of Rs 7.28 lakh cr
• It will insulate the country from any geopolitical disruption
• India promoting processes of coal extraction to be more environment friendly

New Delhi: India will focus on setting up more coal-fired power projects as well as keep adding renewable generation capacity to achieve 24x7 electricity supply for all in 2024 amid economic expansion and the need to ensure energy security in these times of rising geopolitical uncertainties. In a reflection of ambitious plans, the Union power ministry has planned a whooping 91 GW of coal-based thermal power generation capacity entailing an investment of Rs 7.28 lakh crore over the next few years. Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said, “24X7 supply of power is right of the consumer. Similarly, energy security is of paramount importance for us.

You have seen what happened in Europe due to the Russia-Ukraine war.” At present, average power supply across India is 23.50 hours in urban areas and 22 hours in rural areas, he said. Singh also said that the coal-based thermal power capacity will insulate the country from any geopolitical disruption and ensure energy security for the country at a time when our economy is expanding rapidly. The coal-based capacity addition is also important in view of rising demand of electricity in the country as peak power demand was at an all-time high of 243.27 GW in September 2023.

India has installed power generation capacity of about 426 GW, including more than 213 GW of coal and lignite-based projects. Earlier this month, President Droupadi Murmu said the dependence on fossil fuels is definitely decreasing but fossil fuel-based energy is also essential for the country. India has always worked as a responsible country in the field of clean energy.

India is promoting clean coal technologies so that the processes of coal extraction and use become more efficient and environment friendly, she had said at an event. According to the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) report published in November 2022, peak power demand in the country will touch 366.39 GW in 2031-32, 465.53 GW in 2036-37 and 574.68 GW in 2041-42. Explaining why renewable energy alone cannot be sufficient for round the clock power supply, Singh said that solar is available in the day and wind blows at different times.

Thus, renewables can provide round-the-clock power with energy storage only, which is expensive presently, he said. Singh said the ministry has planned 91 GW of new coal-based thermal power generation capacity, which includes 27 GW under construction. Around 31 GW of coal-based thermal capacity which is at an advanced stage of implementation. Out of the total, construction would begin on 17 GW in 2024, the minister said, adding that another 33 GW thermal power capacity has also been planned.