New Delhi, March 19: India is set for a major expansion in its power sector, with installed capacity projected to more than double from 520 GW to 1,121 GW by 2035-36, according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
A significant portion of this growth will be driven by clean energy, with non-fossil fuel sources expected to account for nearly 70 per cent of total capacity. Solar power is projected to lead the expansion, reaching 509 GW, followed by wind energy at 155 GW. Additional contributions will come from hydro, nuclear, biomass, and small hydro projects.
Despite the clean energy push, coal-based capacity is expected to remain a key component of the energy mix at 315 GW, ensuring grid stability and baseload power supply.
The CEA’s Generation Adequacy Plan outlines a cost-effective roadmap to meet rising electricity demand, with clear visibility on capacity additions through projects that are under construction or in advanced planning stages.
Energy storage is set to play a critical role, with plans to add 174 GW of storage capacity through battery energy storage systems and pumped storage projects to manage renewable intermittency and ensure reliable supply.
Currently, over 40 GW of coal-based capacity and around 155 GW of renewable capacity are under construction, alongside ongoing expansion in nuclear and hydro sectors to strengthen long-term energy security.
The capacity expansion aligns with rising electricity demand, with peak demand projected to grow at 5.58 per cent annually to reach 459 GW by 2035-36, while total electricity requirement is expected to grow at 6.41 per cent annually.
