Picture Source: Freepik.com
India’s total installed power generation capacity has seen a significant surge, increasing by nearly 80% over the past decade to reach 4,46,190 MW (4.46 GW) as of June 2024. This growth was highlighted in a recent parliamentary session.
Ten-Year Growth in Installed Capacity
According to Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, the installed capacity in March 2014 was 2,48,554 MW. This figure has now grown to 4,46,190 MW, marking a substantial rise in the nation’s power generation capabilities.
Coal-Based and Renewable Power Expansion
In his reply to the Rajya Sabha, Naik detailed the growth in coal-based power, which has increased from 1,39,663 MW in March 2014 to 2,10,969 MW in June 2024. The renewable sector has also seen impressive growth, with installed capacity rising from 75,519 MW in March 2014 to 1,95,013 MW in June 2024.
Future Plans and Infrastructure Enhancements
The Indian government plans to add at least 80 GW of additional coal-based capacity by 2031-32. Naik also mentioned the expansion of the power grid infrastructure, noting that 1,95,181 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines, 7,30,794 MVA of transformation capacity, and 82,790 MW of inter-regional capacity have been added. This has unified the country into a single grid capable of transferring 1,18,740 MW across different regions.
“India’s grid has emerged as one of the largest unified grids in the world. Connecting the whole country into one grid has transformed the country into one unified power market,” Naik stated. This integration allows distribution companies (discoms) to purchase power at the lowest available rates from any generator nationwide, facilitating cheaper electricity tariffs for consumers.
Enhanced Power Availability and Substation Developments
Naik also reported the addition of 2,927 new substations and the upgrade of 3,965 existing substations. Moreover, 8.5 lakh ckms of high tension and low tension lines have been added or upgraded.
These advancements have significantly increased the availability of power in rural areas from 12.5 hours in 2015 to 21.9 hours in 2024. In urban areas, power availability stands at 23.4 hours. The efforts and expansions in India’s power sector underscore the nation’s commitment to enhancing its energy infrastructure and ensuring more reliable power supply across all regions.
