Achieving 24x7 power supply for all in 2024: India's focus on coal and renewables

Amidst economic expansion and growing geopolitical uncertainties, India plans to enhance its energy security and achieve a round-the-clock electricity supply for all in 2024 by strategically increasing coal-fired power projects and continuing to augment renewable generation capacity.

In a reflection of ambitious plans, the Union power ministry has planned a whooping 91 GW of coal-based thermal power generation capacity entailing an investment of Rs 7.28 lakh crore over the next few years.

Talking to the media, Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh said, "24X7 supply of power is right of the consumer. Similarly, energy security is of paramount importance for us. You have seen what happened in y Europe due to the Russia-Ukraine war." 

 At present, average power supply across India is 23.50 d hours in urban areas and 22 hours in rural areas, he said. Singh also said that the coal-based thermal power capacity will insulate the country from any geopolitical disruption and ensure energy security for the country at a time when our economy is expanding rapidly.

The coal-based capacity addition is also important, in view of the rising demand of electricity in the country as peak power demand was at an all-time high of 243.27 GW in September 2023.

India has installed power generation capacity of about 426 GW, including more than 213 GW of coal and lignite-based projects.