In a recent interaction with power PSUs and industry stakeholders, R.K. Singh, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, said that the government has decided to add 80 GW of thermal power capacity by FY32.
The interaction was held to review thermal power capacity addition and help the industry overcome problems faced by them.
R.K. Singh said that it was crucial to add 80 GW of thermal power capacity by FY32 to meet the nation’s growing power requirements. Here are some more views expressed by the Union power minister:
- Growing power demand cannot be met by renewable energy sources alone. Since nuclear capacity cannot be added at a rapid pace, India will need to add coal-based thermal capacity for meeting its energy needs.
- India has 27 GW of thermal power capacity under construction and the power ministry had earlier thought that another 25 GW will need to be added. However, it has been decided that work on 55 GW to 60 GW of thermal power capacity will need to start.
- As per the projections of National Electricity Plan for the period 2022-32, the required coal and lignite based installed capacity will be 283 GW by FY32 as against the present installed capacity of 214 GW.
- States that have thermal capacity must make sure that it is available and that any renovation, modernization or life extension for the thermal plants needs to be done in time.
- “If you do not maintain your thermal capacity and instead expect us to give power from central reserve. That is not going to happen. We will allocate additional power to those states which are maintaining and running their capacities. Further, those who want to add capacities may do so,” the minister said.
- Addressing the vendors, R.K. Singh said, “You will keep getting a steady line of orders for next 5-7 years, start preparing; Be ready for indigenous development and take this opportunity as a challenge to evolve and grow.”
- Thermal energy was written off a few years ago, which was premature. Thermal cannot be written off until energy storage becomes viable. So, thermal is going to stay until energy storage becomes cost-effective for Round-the-Clock supply through Renewable Energy. Hence, industry needs to ramp up thermal capacity.
- The minister told the industry that those in the power business will miss out if they are not adding capacity. “Demand will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Prices on power exchanges are going to remain high. Those who add capacity will gain and those who don’t will miss out on a golden opportunity.”
Also read: India’s Solar Module Capacity To Reach 72 GW By End Of FY24: AISMA
Featured photograph (source: NTPC) is for representation only.
