India's Non-Fossil Power Capacity To Reach 786 GW By FY36: Govt Report

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 20 (KNN) India is expected to scale up its non-fossil fuel power capacity to 786 GW by FY36, significantly accelerating its clean energy transition beyond the 500 GW target set for 2030, according to a report by the Ministry of Power.

At the same time, fossil fuel-based capacity is projected to reach 335 GW, taking the total installed power capacity to around 1,121 GW by FY36, with non-fossil sources accounting for nearly 70 per cent, reported The Economic Times.

Currently, India's non-fossil fuel capacity stands at about 274 GW, while fossil fuel-based capacity is around 248.5 GW.

Speaking at the Bharat Electricity Summit, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said renewable energy will remain a key focus as India works towards its net-zero target by 2070. However, he noted that fossil fuel-based power would still be required to meet rising energy demand.

He added that sectors such as data centres and electric vehicles are expected to contribute nearly 30 GW of additional power demand over the next five to six years, highlighting the need for a balanced energy mix.

The projections are based on a long-term national generation adequacy study assessing least-cost capacity expansion between FY27 and FY36. Peak electricity demand is expected to reach 459 GW, while total energy requirement is projected at 3,365 billion units by FY36.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said that green energy remains the most sustainable pathway to achieving net-zero emissions, though coal-based power will continue to play a role in meeting demand. He added that growth in manufacturing, exports, and digital infrastructure will further drive electricity consumption.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said the sector would require investments of about USD 2.2 trillion over the next two decades to meet future demand.

The report also projects gas-based power capacity at 20 GW and nuclear power at 22 GW by FY36. In addition, energy storage capacity of 174 GW/888 GWh is envisaged, including 80 GW/321 GWh of battery storage and 94 GW/567 GWh of pumped storage, to support grid stability and renewable integration.

(KNN Bureau)

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