The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, January 29: India has transitioned from a power-deficit nation to a power-sufficient one, with the country’s total installed electricity generation capacity rising to 513.73 gigawatts (GW), the Ministry of Power informed the Lok Sabha.
The government stated that 289.6 GW of new generation capacity has been added since April 2014, significantly improving the country’s ability to meet rising electricity demand. As per official data, electricity supply at the national level is now largely matching demand, with only marginal shortfalls in some regions.
According to the ministry, these small gaps are primarily due to state-level transmission and distribution constraints rather than a shortage of power generation. The Centre emphasized that there has been no major adverse impact on economic or industrial growth due to electricity shortages.
Electricity falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, making distribution and retail supply the responsibility of state governments and their utilities. The Central Government supplements state efforts by developing power projects through central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) and allocating electricity to states and Union Territories.
Under the National Electricity Plan (NEP), India’s total installed generation capacity is projected to reach 874 GW by 2031–32. To ensure that supply remains ahead of peak demand, states, in coordination with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), have prepared 10-year Resource Adequacy Plans covering both generation and procurement strategies.
Thermal power remains a key component of India’s energy mix. The country is expected to require around 307 GW of coal and lignite-based capacity by 2034–35, compared to about 212 GW installed as of March 2023. To bridge this gap:
Around 17.36 GW of thermal capacity has been commissioned since April 2023
About 39.5 GW is currently under construction
Over 22.9 GW has been awarded for development
Additional coal-based projects are in various planning stages
Hydropower: Nearly 13 GW of hydroelectric projects are under construction, with another 4.27 GW in the planning phase.
Nuclear Energy: About 6.6 GW of nuclear capacity is under construction and expected to be completed by 2029–30, while 7 GW is under planning and approval.
Renewable Energy: India continues an aggressive renewable push. Over 157 GW of renewable capacity — including solar, wind, and hybrid projects — is under construction, while nearly 49 GW is in the planning stage for completion by 2029–30.
To support renewable integration and grid stability, the government is expanding energy storage systems:
Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs): More than 11.6 GW / 69.7 GWh under construction
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): About 9.65 GW under construction, with nearly 19.8 GW in the tendering stage
Transmission development is being aligned with generation growth. The NEP proposes the addition of approximately:
191,474 circuit kilometers of transmission lines
1,274 GVA of transformation capacity
between 2022–23 and 2031–32 to ensure reliable nationwide power flow.
The government has introduced multiple initiatives to promote clean energy, including:
Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for several renewable categories
Standard bidding guidelines for solar, wind, hybrid, and firm renewable power
100 percent Foreign Direct Investment under the automatic route
Green Energy Corridor projects to strengthen renewable transmission
Major schemes such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and offshore wind support programs
Renewable Purchase and Renewable Consumption Obligations with penalties for non-compliance
Official data for the past three financial years and the current year up to December 2025 indicates that energy supplied has remained closely aligned with energy required in most states. The all-India shortfall has generally remained well below one percent, supporting the government’s position that adequate power is available nationwide.
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