India Needs 86 GW Additional Thermal Power by FY36, 64 GW Under Works

31 Jul 2026 CW Team

India needs to add 86,440 MW of thermal power generation capacity by 2035–36, and 63,545 MW of that capacity is reported to be at various stages of implementation, the Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik informed Parliament. The figures were provided in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha and draw on the National Generation Adequacy Plan covering 2026–27 to 2035–36. The plan was prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in March 2026.

The CEA estimated that required coal and lignite based thermal capacity to meet projected electricity demand by 2035–36 is about 315,000 MW. Against this requirement, installed coal and lignite based capacity as on March 31, 2026, stood at 228,560 MW, leaving a shortfall of 86,440 MW. The shortfall reflects the gap between existing assets and projected demand over the planning horizon.

Of the additional capacity needed, projects totalling 63,545 MW are at various stages of implementation, signalling substantial ongoing investment in thermal generation. The remaining requirement will need to be met through new projects, timely completion of existing schemes and any adjustments captured in future revisions of the national adequacy plan. The data underlines the continuing role of coal and lignite in the power mix while planning for supply adequacy.

The plan sets a clear timeline to 2035–36 and provides a basis for infrastructure investment and regulatory oversight. Officials and stakeholders will need to align project schedules, fuel availability and environmental clearances to bridge the identified gap. The written reply indicates that Parliament has been furnished with the current status and that implementation progress will be monitored as projects advance. The ministry will continue to update Parliament as project milestones are achieved.

Infrastructure Urban

31 Jul 2026

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