Mon Sep 23 17:12:44 UTC 2024: ## India Prioritizes Thermal Power Capacity Amid Energy Transition Goals

**New Delhi:** The Indian Power Ministry has awarded contracts for over half of the 80 gigawatts (GW) of thermal power capacity planned for installation by 2032, according to Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal. This includes 12.8 GW of coal-fired capacity awarded in the first 100 days of the fiscal year, with another 28.4 GW currently under construction.

While emphasizing India’s commitment to energy transition goals, Power Minister Manohar Lal stressed the importance of ensuring energy security to meet the growing demand of a rapidly expanding economy. The Ministry has therefore prioritized thermal capacity addition, with the total coal and lignite-based power plant capacity currently at 217 GW. An additional 14 GW is expected to be commissioned by 2025, and 58.4 GW is in various stages of planning, approvals, and bidding.

In a move towards a greener future, the Ministry has introduced two new building codes: the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) for commercial buildings and the Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) for residential buildings. These codes, which apply to large commercial and multi-storied residential buildings, are expected to reduce electricity consumption by 18 percent and incorporate sustainability features like natural cooling, ventilation, and efficient water management.

The Ministry has also expanded its budgetary support for hydropower projects and pumped storage projects (PSPs). Support now extends beyond roads and bridges to include financing for transmission lines, ropeways, railway sidings, and communication infrastructure. Projects exceeding 200 MW will receive Rs 0.75 crore per MW of support, while those up to 200 MW will receive Rs 1 crore per MW. The initiative aims to support the development of 31 GW of hydro potential, including 15 GW of PSPs. India currently has 4.7 GW of installed PSP capacity, with another 6.47 GW under construction and 60 GW in various stages of survey and investigation. Contracts for an additional 3.77 GW of PSP capacity have recently been awarded.

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