The year 2024 is a target year for India to dramatically expand its thermal power producing capacity. This ambitious goal is a reaction to the fact that federal and state governments accomplished only a fraction of their budgeted capacity increases last year. At 23%, this year’s target appears ambitious at best.
Increasing Capacity for Producing Thermal Energy
The expected increase of 14,700 MW in thermal power generation capacity demonstrates India’s continued reliance on coal and oil for power generation. There will be a total of 7,820 MW, with the federal government providing 6,880 MW.
Duty of the CEA
The CEA keeps tabs on the development of power projects. The CEA makes regular site visits and communicates with the project’s developers and other key stakeholders to address any problems that may arise during the commissioning process. When the CEA considers regulations, it does so to help settle problems between ministries and elsewhere.
Project Delays Due to Heat
Thermal power plant construction in India is lagging for a variety of reasons. Problems with contracts, lack of funds, inadequate railway lines or sidings for fuel transfer, sluggish equipment deliveries, stumbling over a suitable location, disturbance in the area, and changes to the design all add time to the completion of a project.
Overspending and Projects
Problems with construction have dogged initiatives by state-owned distribution companies. The Andhra Pradesh state government’s 660-MW Bhavanapadu TPP Ph-I project has been put on hold due to a liquidation case filed against the winning bidding company. Due to this setback, project expenses have gone up. The Rajasthan state discom canceled a PPA for the 250 MW Bithnok TPP project. Expenses and holdups will probably drive up the final price of the project.
Opportunities and Threats
Coal linkage and imported coal stall thermal development projects. PSUs supplying boilers and equipment are the primary cause of delays, as most state-owned distribution enterprises have access to land outside of densely populated areas.
With its vast coal reserves, Jharkhand has the potential to produce inexpensive electricity. Scheduled project completion is the sole condition under which such possibilities can arise.
Coal and Power Industry Requirements
In 2023-24, Coal India, India’s largest coal producer, plans to mine and sell 780 million tons. With an increase from last year, the power sector anticipates a coal supply of 610 million tonnes. If there are adequate coal reserves and output, power outages caused by a lack of coal are unlikely to occur.
Alternative Energy Technologies and the Future of Conventional Thermal Power
Thermal projects will continue to be a major source of India’s electricity. As the amount of renewable energy produced increases, the challenge of storing wind and solar power for times of peak demand rises. Until a better option is found, thermal power is important.