The Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Power convened in New Delhi yesterday, chaired by Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal. Minister of State for Power, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, also attended the meeting. Members of Parliament from various political parties participated in discussions on the “National Electricity Plan – Generation.”
Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the pivotal role of power generation in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. With the growing electricity demand, he stressed the need to expand power generation while aligning with India’s Net-Zero Carbon Emissions goals. Highlighting the government’s focus on non-fossil-based energy sources, he underlined the importance of coordinated efforts between state and central governments to achieve targets.
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik echoed the commitment to sustainable energy transitions, in line with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also discussed the government’s initiatives to enhance workforce skills in the energy sector.
The National Electricity Plan (NEP), prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), offers a strategic framework for five years with a 15-year perspective. Key aspects of the fourth NEP include:
- Review Period (2017–22): Assessing achievements.
- Short-Term Goals (2022–27): Detailing capacity addition requirements.
- Long-Term Projections (2027–32): Shaping the future of India’s power sector.
Current Power Scenario:
- Installed Capacity (as of October 2024):
- Total: 454.5 GW
- Thermal: 243.1 GW
- Nuclear: 8.2 GW
- Renewables (including hydro): 203.2 GW
- Generation Statistics (2023–24):
- Gross generation: 1739 BU
- Sources: Thermal (76%), Nuclear (3%), Renewables (21%, including Hydro).
- Peak Demand (May 2024): 250 GW
- Growth Rates:
- Generation CAGR (2013–24): 5.4%
- Peak Demand CAGR (2013–24): 16%
Future Projections:
- By 2026–27:
- Peak Demand: 277 GW
- Energy Requirement: 1908 BU
- By 2031–32:
- Peak Demand: 366 GW
- Energy Requirement: 2474 BU
- Energy Storage Targets:
- By 2026–27: 16.13 GW/82.37 GWh
- Types: PSP (7.45 GW) and BESS (8.68 GW)
- Fund Requirement (2022–27): ₹14.54 Lakh Crores
Achievements and Goals:
- Share of non-fossil-based capacity to increase from 46.5% (2024) to:
- 57.4% by 2026–27
- 68.4% by 2031–32
- Emission factor reduction:
- 2026–27: 0.548 kg CO2/kWh
- 2031–32: 0.430 kg CO2/kWh
Insights and Suggestions:
Members of Parliament provided valuable inputs on renewable energy initiatives, storage solutions, and compensatory measures for affected stakeholders. They praised the government’s ambitious goals and achievements in green energy and power generation.
Shri Manohar Lal concluded the meeting by thanking participants for their contributions and directed officials to incorporate the suggestions to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable power for all.
