New Delhi: In a significant push to ensure energy security and meet rising electricity demand, the Ministry of Power has laid out plans to set up a minimum of 97,000 megawatts (MW) of additional coal and lignite-based thermal capacity by 2034–35, Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
This expansion is part of a broader capacity-building roadmap, which includes major developments across thermal, hydro, nuclear, renewable, and energy storage sectors.
Coal and Lignite Expansion to Meet Projected Demand
As per current estimates under the National Electricity Plan (NEP), India will require around 3,07,000 MW of coal and lignite capacity by FY35, up from the 2,11,855 MW installed as of March 31, 2023.
To bridge this gap, the government is actively:
- Commissioning new projects: 11,680 MW since April 2023
- Under construction: 38,935 MW (including 5,695 MW from stressed assets)
- Awarded projects in FY25: 15,440 MW
- At planning stage: 35,460 MW
This coal-heavy expansion comes even as India continues to expand its renewable and clean energy portfolio to balance its energy mix.
EV Charging Demand Projected at 2.35% by FY32
Naik also addressed the impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on electricity demand. By FY32, EV charging is projected to account for 63,651 million units (MU) — approximately 2.35% of total electricity demand.
“Adequate generation capacity has been planned to meet the rising demand of electricity in the country, including due to rise in Electric Vehicles,” Naik stated.
- Installed and Projected Power Capacity
- Current Installed Capacity (June 2025): 485 GW
- Projected Capacity by FY32: ~870 GW
This projection reflects significant growth to support both economic development and clean energy transitions.
Hydro and Nuclear Pipeline
- Hydroelectric Projects Under Construction: 13,463.5 MW
- Under Planning (target FY32): 9,802 MW
- Nuclear Power Under Construction: 6,600 MW (target FY30)
- Nuclear Under Planning/Approval: 7,000 MW
Massive Renewable Energy Pipeline
- RE Under Construction: 1,58,450 MW
- Solar: 74,150 MW
- Wind: 30,080 MW
- Hybrid: 53,750 MW
- RE Under Planning (target FY30): 62,000 MW
- Solar: 46,010 MW
- Hybrid: 15,990 MW
Energy Storage Development
To support variable RE sources and ensure grid stability:
- Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)
- Under Construction: 8,250 MW / 49,500 MWh
- Concurred, yet to begin: 5,780 MW / 34,680 MWh
- Under Bidding: 3,500 MW / 21,000 MWh
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Under Construction or Bidding: 15,829 MW / 51,106 MWh
