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India’s Power Plans: MPs Discuss National Electricity Plan And 500 GW Green Energy Target By 2030

Source：solarquarter

Representational image. Credit: Canva

A meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Power was held in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal. Minister of State for Power Shri Shripad Yesso Naik also participated. The meeting focused on the “National Electricity Plan – Generation,” with Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairman of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), providing a detailed presentation on the topic.

Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the critical role of power in achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted the increasing electricity demand and stressed the need for expanding power generation capacity. The Minister also underscored India’s commitment to achieving carbon net-zero goals by focusing on non-fossil-based energy sources. He pointed out the importance of boosting energy storage capacity to ensure reliable and affordable power for all and called for better coordination between state and central governments to meet these objectives.

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik outlined India’s energy transition as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its path toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also mentioned the government’s focus on training people in the energy sector to meet future demands.

The National Electricity Plan (NEP) is a five-year framework that provides a 15-year perspective. The fourth iteration of the plan includes a review of the period from 2017-2022 and projects the capacity addition requirements for 2022-2027, as well as projections for 2027-2032.

As of October 31, 2024, India’s installed generation capacity was 454.5 GW, comprising 243.1 GW from thermal power, 8.2 GW from nuclear, and 203.2 GW from renewable sources, including large hydro. The country’s electricity generation in 2023-24 reached 1739 billion units (BU), with 1326 BU (76%) from thermal, 48 BU (3%) from nuclear, and 365 BU (21%) from renewable sources, including 169 BU (10.4%) from hydro.

The gross electricity generation has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% since 2013-14, rising from 1033 BU to 1739 BU. The peak electricity demand for 2024-25 reached around 250 GW in May 2024, with the peak demand growing at a CAGR of 16% from 2013-14 to 2023-24.

Looking ahead, the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) report published by the CEA projects the peak demand and energy requirement for 2031-32 to be around 366 GW and 2474 BU, respectively. For 2026-27, the expected peak demand is 277 GW with an electrical energy requirement of 1908 BU. Energy storage capacity is seen as critical for achieving these targets, with a required storage capacity of 16.13 GW/82.37 GWh by 2026-27.

India’s target of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil-based installed capacity by 2029-30 is aligned with the National Electricity Plan projections. The total funding required for energy projects between 2022 and 2027 is estimated at Rs 14,54,188 crore, which includes advance funding for projects expected to be commissioned between 2027 and 2032.

The meeting also addressed the country’s efforts to reduce emissions, with the average emission factor projected to decrease to 0.548 kg CO2/kWh by 2026-27 and 0.430 kg CO2/kWh by 2031-32. The share of non-fossil-based energy capacity is expected to rise to 57.4% by 2026-27 and 68.4% by 2031-32, up from 46.5% in October 2024.

Members of Parliament gave several suggestions on various initiatives and schemes, praising the ambitious green energy targets and achievements in electricity generation capacity. Issues discussed included energy storage, renewable energy generation, and compensation for farmers. Shri Manohar Lal thanked the participants for their contributions and directed officials to take the necessary actions to incorporate their suggestions and prioritize public welfare.

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