Achieving 24×7 electricity supply for all in 2024: India’s focus on coal and renewables – EQ
In Short : India is aiming to achieve 24×7 electricity supply for all by 2024, emphasizing a dual focus on both coal and renewables. This comprehensive approach underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring reliable power access while addressing the transition toward cleaner and sustainable energy sources.
In Detail : The expansion of coal-based capacity is especially significant in light of the country’s escalating electricity consumption, with peak power demand reaching an all-time high of 243.27 GW in September 2023
Amid economic progress and the necessity to provide energy security in these times of increased geopolitical uncertainty, India will focus on establishing more coal-fired power plants while continuing to build renewable generation capacity to attain a 24×7 electricity supply for all by 2024. The Union Power Ministry has projected a whopping 91 GW of coal-brd thermal power generation capacity over the next few years, entailing an investment of Rs 7.28 lakh crore.
Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh told PTI, “24X7 supply of power is the consumer’s right. Similarly, we place a premium on energy security. You’ve seen what transpired in Europe as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
According to him, the average power supply in India is currently 23.50 hours in urban regions and 22 hours in rural areas.
Singh further stated that coal-based thermal power generation will protect the country from geopolitical disruptions and maintain energy security at a time when our economy is fast increasing.
The expansion of coal-based capacity is especially significant in light of the country’s escalating electricity consumption, with peak power demand reaching an all-time high of 243.27 GW in September 2023.
India has around 426 GW of installed power production capacity, including over 213 GW of coal and lignite-brd plants.
