Stable Thermal PLF, Power Demand Growth

21 Jun 2024 CW Team

Coal-based power, which remains a significant contributor to India's energy mix, is projected to maintain its stability. Despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, coal-based plants are expected to operate at a stable PLF, thanks to the consistent demand. The report underscores the importance of policy measures in balancing the energy transition, as renewable energy capacities continue to expand.

The power sector's overall health is bolstered by policy initiatives aimed at improving the financial health of distribution companies. These measures are crucial in ensuring the timely payment to power generators, which in turn supports the stable operation of thermal power plants. The projected 6% growth in power demand for FY2025 is a positive indicator for the sector, encouraging further investment and development in power infrastructure.

Investment in power infrastructure, including transmission and distribution networks, is vital to support the anticipated growth. The report calls for continued focus on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the power supply chain. As India transitions towards a more sustainable energy mix, the integration of renewable energy with the existing grid is essential for maintaining stability and meeting the rising power demand.

ICRA's projections indicate a balanced growth trajectory for the power sector, with stable thermal PLF and robust power demand growth. This outlook underscores the need for sustained policy support, strategic investments, and efficient management to navigate the challenges and opportunities in India's evolving energy landscape. The emphasis on financial health, infrastructure development, and energy transition highlights the sector's critical role in driving economic growth and sustainability.

ICRA, a leading credit rating agency, projects a stable plant load factor (PLF) for thermal power plants and a 6% growth in power demand for FY2025. The report highlights that the power demand is expected to rise due to increased electricity consumption across various sectors, driven by economic growth and higher industrial activities. This surge in demand will support the capacity utilization of thermal power plants, ensuring a stable PLF. Coal-based power, which remains a significant contributor to India's energy mix, is projected to maintain its stability. Despite the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, coal-based plants are expected to operate at a stable PLF, thanks to the consistent demand. The report underscores the importance of policy measures in balancing the energy transition, as renewable energy capacities continue to expand. The power sector's overall health is bolstered by policy initiatives aimed at improving the financial health of distribution companies. These measures are crucial in ensuring the timely payment to power generators, which in turn supports the stable operation of thermal power plants. The projected 6% growth in power demand for FY2025 is a positive indicator for the sector, encouraging further investment and development in power infrastructure. Investment in power infrastructure, including transmission and distribution networks, is vital to support the anticipated growth. The report calls for continued focus on enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the power supply chain. As India transitions towards a more sustainable energy mix, the integration of renewable energy with the existing grid is essential for maintaining stability and meeting the rising power demand. ICRA's projections indicate a balanced growth trajectory for the power sector, with stable thermal PLF and robust power demand growth. This outlook underscores the need for sustained policy support, strategic investments, and efficient management to navigate the challenges and opportunities in India's evolving energy landscape. The emphasis on financial health, infrastructure development, and energy transition highlights the sector's critical role in driving economic growth and sustainability.

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..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

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..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

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..