ICRA Forecasts Stable Thermal PLF and 6% Power Demand Growth for FY2025

25 Jun 2024 CW Team

ICRA, a credit rating agency, has forecasted stable Plant Load Factor (PLF) for thermal power plants and expects a 6% growth in electricity demand for the fiscal year 2025. This projection reflects cautious optimism amidst ongoing efforts to stabilize and expand India's power sector amid various economic and regulatory challenges.

According to ICRA's analysis, thermal power plants are likely to maintain stable PLF levels, indicating consistent operational efficiency and utilization rates. This stability is crucial for ensuring reliable electricity supply to meet the growing energy needs of industrial, commercial, and residential consumers across the country.

The anticipated 6% growth in power demand signals recovery and growth in electricity consumption, driven by economic revival, industrial expansion, and increased consumer spending. ICRA's projections consider factors such as improved electricity access, infrastructure development, and government initiatives promoting sustainable energy sources.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, India's power sector is poised for growth supported by policy measures, investments in infrastructure, and technological advancements. ICRA's outlook underscores the resilience of the thermal power segment and its role in meeting the nation's energy requirements.

Looking ahead, ICRA emphasises the importance of continued investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to sustain growth momentum and ensure energy security. The agency's forecasts provide valuable insights for stakeholders in planning and executing strategies to enhance efficiency and reliability in India's evolving power landscape.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..