The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) predicts that India’s power sector would experience significant growth in the next years, with installed capacity expected to more than quadruple from 520 GW to 1,121 GW by 2035-36.
With non-fossil fuel sources predicted to make up about 70% of total capacity, clean energy will be a major driver of this increase. With an expected expansion of 509 GW, solar power is expected to take the lead, with wind energy following at 155 GW. Small hydro projects, biomass, nuclear power, and hydro will all contribute further.
The 315 GW of coal-based capacity that ensures grid stability and baseload power supply is projected to persist despite the clean energy drive.
With a focus on capacity additions through projects that are now under construction or in the advanced stages of planning, the CEA’s Generation Adequacy Plan provides a cost-effective roadmap to satisfy increasing energy demand.
Plans to add 174 GW of storage capacity through battery energy storage systems and pumped storage projects will help manage the intermittency of renewable sources and provide a consistent supply, making energy storage a crucial component.
In order to provide reliable energy supply in the future, over 40 GW of coal-based capacity and around 155 GW of renewable capacity are currently in the works, with further expansion in the nuclear and hydropower sectors also underway.
Peak demand is predicted to reach 459 GW by 2035–36, an annual growth rate of 5.58 percent, and total power requirement is projected to expand at 6.41%, thus the capacity expansion is in line with rising electrical demand.
