India’s thermal power generation capacity requirement pegged at 307 GW by FY35
- March 27, 2026
Parliament was recently informed that India would need thermal power generation capacity of around 307 GW by FY35, which would contribute towards meeting the projected electrical energy requirement of 3,215 BU then.
In a written reply given recently in the Rajya Sabha, Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power, said that the projected thermal capacity requirement by FY35 is estimated at around 307,000 MW (or 307 GW). This capacity relates only to coal and lignite, excluding other forms of thermal power such as gas and diesel. [It may be observed here that in terms of electricity generation, coal/lignite-based plants have a predominant share when compared to gas, diesel, etc]
This capacity would contribute, alongside other sources, in meeting the country’s projected peak electricity demand of 446 GW and electricity requirement of 3215 billion units (BU) by FY35.
Discussing the details, the minister said that as of March 31, 2023, India’s installed thermal capacity (coal and lignite) was 2,11,855 MW. The Union power ministry, with a view to meeting the anticipated requirement, has envisaged setting up at least 97,000 MW of coal/lignite-based power generation capacity.
Thermal capacity of 18,160 MW has already been commissioned between April 1, 2023 and January 31, 2026. In addition, 38,745 MW of such capacity (including 4845 MW of stressed thermal power projects) is currently under construction, the minister said.
Further, contracts corresponding to another 22,290 MW of thermal capacity have been awarded, and the projects will soon enter construction stage. Another 24,020 MW of candidate coal/lignite power capacity has been identified across several locations, and the same is under planning stage.
Non-thermal power and energy storage
With respect to other forms of power generation including hydropower, nuclear and renewables, the minister said that over 177 GW of capacity was under construction with another 60 GW in the planning stage. (see table)
Regarding energy storage systems, the minister’s reply said that 11,620 MW/69,720 MWh pumped storage projects (PSP) are currently under construction. Further, a total of 6,580 MW/39,480 MWh capacity of PSPs are concurred and yet to be taken up for construction.
Currently, 9,653.94 MW/ 26,729.32 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity are under construction and 19,797.65 MW/61,013.40 MWh BESS capacity are under tendering stage, the reply said.
Featured photograph is for representation only