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In a significant development, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, has highlighted the remarkable progress of the Indian power sector over the past decade, transitioning from a state of power deficit to one of power sufficiency. This transformation, attributed to strategic government initiatives, has been pivotal in ensuring uninterrupted power supply across the nation.
Over the last nine years, the government has implemented several key schemes aimed at bolstering the sub-transmission and distribution network. Notable among these are the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), Integrated Power Development (IPDS), and the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana- (SAUBHAGYA). With an investment totaling 1.85 lakh crores, these initiatives have successfully electrified 18,374 villages and provided electricity connections to 2.86 crore households, achieving 100% electrification of villages.
Furthermore, the government has significantly augmented the nation’s power generation capacity, adding 196,558 MW since April 2014, thus eradicating the erstwhile power deficit. This increase represents a substantial growth of 72.3% in generation capacity, reaching 428,299 MW by December 2023.
In tandem with these efforts, the availability of power supply in both rural and urban areas has witnessed remarkable improvements. Rural areas now enjoy 20.6 hours of power supply, up from 12.5 hours in 2015, while urban areas receive power for 23.78 hours, ensuring enhanced accessibility and reliability of electricity.
Despite these achievements, the government remains focused on addressing the evolving demands of the power sector. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) conducted the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) report, projecting electricity demand until 2031-32 and offering a perspective for 2036-37 and 2041-42. To meet these escalating demands, the government has outlined a comprehensive plan for capacity addition across various energy sources, including thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable energy.
Key highlights of the plan include:
Thermal Power Capacity: Currently, 26,380 MW of thermal capacity is under construction, with an additional 11,960 MW already bid out and 19,050 MW awaiting clearances. By 2031-2032, the anticipated thermal capacity addition is expected to reach 93,380 MW.
Hydroelectric Power Capacity: Progress continues with 18,033.5 MW of hydro capacity, including stalled projects, under construction. By 2031-2032, the total hydro capacity addition is projected to reach 42,014 MW.
Nuclear Power Capacity: Construction efforts are underway for 8,000 MW of nuclear capacity, slated to increase to 12,200 MW by 2031-2032.
Renewable Energy Capacity: Notably, 103,660 MW of renewable energy capacity is currently under construction, aiming for a substantial addition of 322,000 MW by 2031-2032.
Unified Grid System: Extensive enhancements in transmission infrastructure, including the addition of 1,89,052 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 6,88,142 MVA of transformation capacity, have enabled the establishment of India’s unified grid system. This interconnected grid facilitates seamless power transfer of up to 1,16,540 MW across the nation, fostering a unified power market.
Green Energy Initiatives: India reaffirms its commitment to augment non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation, targeting over 500,000 MW by 2030. Implementation of transmission plans tailored to integrate 500,000 MW of renewable energy capacity is underway. The establishment of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks aims to provide land and transmission infrastructure for large-scale renewable energy projects.
Electricity Market Reforms: The government has introduced significant reforms in the electricity market, including the Real-Time Market, Green Day Ahead Market, Green Term Ahead Market, and High Price Day Ahead Market in power exchanges. The DEEP Portal facilitates efficient electricity price discovery through e-Bidding and e-Reverse mechanisms for short-term power procurement by DISCOMs.
Infrastructure Development: Green Energy Corridors and 13 Renewable Energy Management Centers have been constructed to support the expansion of renewable energy capacity. Presently, renewable energy capacity stands at 180,800 MW, with an additional 103,660 MW under installation.
Viable Power Sector: The power sector has witnessed remarkable improvements, with Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses decreasing from 25.72% in 2014-15 to 15.40% in 2022-23. Implementation of LPS Rules has significantly reduced legacy dues of Gencos, from Rs. 1,39,947 crore in June 2022 to Rs. 49,451 crore in January 2024. Moreover, DISCOMs are promptly clearing current overdue payments.
With these concerted efforts and forward-looking strategies, India’s power sector is poised for continued growth and resilience, laying a robust foundation for the nation’s socio-economic development.
This comprehensive information was shared by Union Minister Shri R. K. Singh in written replies to queries in the Rajya Sabha on February 6, 2024. |
