Govt identifies 148 coal-fired plants, 241 hydro units for life extension up to 2030.

To maximise electricity generation from existing power plants for ensuring optimal utilisation of resources, the government has identified 148 coal fired and 241 hydro units with a total capacity of more than 50,300 megawatts (MW) for life extension up to 2030.

Besides, as India aspires to have 500,000 MW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with a major share coming from solar and wind power, the thermal power capacities will be required to play an important role in terms of balancing the grid.

Power Minister RK Singh in response to a starred question in Lok Sabha said the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in January 2023, suggested that rather than retiring plants, it advised for implementation of renovation & modernisation (R&M)/ life extension (LE) for running them up to 2030 and beyond, and getting these plants ready to operate in two shift mode to facilitate solar and wind energy integration into the grid, if found feasible.

“As many as 148 coal-based thermal units having capacity of 38,150 MW in Central, State and private sectors have been identified for R&M/LE Works up to June, 2033,” the Minister told the lower house.

Besides, 241 hydro units having capacity of 12,183.1 MW in Central, State and private sectors have been identified for R&M/ LE Works for 2022-27, he added.

“However, it is pertinent to mention that generation is a delicensed activity as per Section 7 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and the final decision of carrying out R&M/LE in coal based thermal units is taken by power generating companies based on their own techno-economic viability and environmental reasons,” Singh said.

HBL