India’s Trade Minister, Mr. Piyush Goyalstated the country must expand thermal power capacity to 307 GW by 2035. With current capacity at 243 GW, over 60 GW of additions are needed. The plan highlights coal’s continued role in ensuring energy security, even as India accelerates renewable energy growth.
India’s Energy Roadmap Gets a Thermal Boost
India’s Trade Minister, Mr. Piyush Goyal announced that the country will need to expand its thermal power capacity to 307 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, underscoring the critical role coal-based energy will continue to play in meeting rising electricity demand. The statement highlights India’s balancing act between energy security and its renewable transition.
Key Highlights
-
Capacity Expansion: Thermal power capacity must reach 307 GW by 2035, reflecting the need to sustain industrial growth and household demand.
-
Current Context: India’s existing thermal capacity stands at around 243 GW, meaning an addition of over 60 GW is required in the next decade.
-
Energy Mix: While renewables are expanding rapidly, coal-based power remains essential to ensure grid stability and base-load supply.
-
Policy Implications: The expansion plan signals continued investment in coal infrastructure, even as India pursues ambitious renewable energy targets.
-
Global Context: India’s stance reflects the challenge of balancing climate commitments with the realities of a fast-growing economy and rising energy consumption.
Why It Matters
The announcement underscores India’s pragmatic approach to energy planning—leveraging thermal power for reliability while scaling renewables for sustainability. This dual strategy is expected to shape the country’s energy security and industrial competitiveness through 2035.
Sources: Reuters (RTRS Government Announcement), Economic Times Energy Desk, Business Standard Power Sector Reports