India to boost coal power production

14.56GW of coal-fuelled power may come on stream this year

- Utpal Bhaskar

Even as India journeys on the road to a greener future, a massive 14.56GW of coal-fuelled power is expected to come on stream this financial year, in a reminder that the world’s fastest-growing major economy needs diverse sources to satiate its rising hunger for energy.

According to two people aware of the matter, this is part of a plan to add around 27GW of coal-fuelled capacity at the cost of about ₹1.89 trillion, to be executed by power generation companies run by the Centre and state governments. The development comes against the backdrop of next year’s general elections, with the government committed to providing round-the-clock quality, reliable and affordable power to all.

“India is achieving its energy transition goals fully and will continue to do so," Union power secretary Alok Kumar said in response to a query. “We have already declared the bidding plan to add 50 GW of renewable energy capacity annually for the next five years to achieve the target of 500GW by 2030. At the same time, India has to ensure there is energy security that is required to enable its development and growth."