India added just 4.53 gigawatts (GW) of thermal power capacity in FY25, significantly below the 15.4 GW target, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s latest report. Of the planned 22 thermal units, only six were commissioned last fiscal year—two in the central sector and four in state sectors.

New units commissioned include Ghatampur TPP, Khurja SCTPP, Jawaharpur STPP, Bhusawal TPS, Panki TPS Extension, and Yadadri TPS, ranging from 660 MW to 800 MW. The commissioning of the remaining 16 units has been deferred to FY26.

Delays are attributed to equipment supply issues, land acquisition challenges, and infrastructure dependencies such as transmission lines and coal transport.

India’s peak power demand hit a record 250 GW in May 2024 and is expected to reach 277 GW by FY26. Although 33 GW of total power capacity was added in FY25, most additions came from renewables, which are variable in supply.

To meet its plan of adding 80 GW of thermal capacity by 2032, construction must begin by 2026–27, requiring immediate approvals and coordination across multiple agencies.

Source:Financial Express