CEA projects 1,121 GW capacity, 51% coal generation by 2035-36
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
TL;DR
- CEA released national generation adequacy plan for 2026-27 to 2035-36.
- Demand hits 3,365 BU; capacity reaches 1,121 GW with 51% coal generation.
- Pumped storage grows to 94 GW, outpacing BESS at 80 GW.
The story at a glance
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) released its national generation adequacy plan covering 2026-27 to 2035-36, using Monte Carlo simulations to project demand and capacity needs under uncertainties. It outlines required expansions in generation and storage for reliability. The plan is in the news amid India's push for renewable integration while ensuring energy security.[[1]](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/clean-tech/key-takeaways-from-ceas-national-power-generation-adequacy-plan-for-the-coming-decade/article70799928.ece)
Key moments & milestones
- 2025-26: Installed capacity at 520 GW; demand at 2,000 BU.
- 2026-27: Coal capacity share at 41.5%; PSPs at 5 GW; BESS at 9 GW.
- Capacity additions underway: coal 41 GW construction, RE 155 GW construction.
- Sites identified for 100 GW PSPs; 7.2 GW commissioned.
- 2035-36: Total capacity 1,121 GW (786 GW non-fossil); storage 174 GW/888 GWh.[[1]](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/clean-tech/key-takeaways-from-ceas-national-power-generation-adequacy-plan-for-the-coming-decade/article70799928.ece)
Signature highlights
- Coal capacity rises by only 78 GW to 335 GW, share drops to 28%, but generates 51% of electricity.
- Solar capacity triples from 176 GW to 509 GW, yet contributes 27% of generation.
- PSPs surge from 5 GW to 94 GW for long-duration storage (six hours+), preferred over BESS due to lower import risks.
- BESS grows to 80 GW, but relies on supplies from “one of the Asian countries”.
- PRM of 13-14% needed by 2035-36 for resilience with high renewables.
- “Complete visibility” on additions across coal, hydro, nuclear, RE, PSPs, BESS.[[1]](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/clean-tech/key-takeaways-from-ceas-national-power-generation-adequacy-plan-for-the-coming-decade/article70799928.ece)
Key quotes
- “PSPs [are] a critical component of India’s evolving power system.” – CEA
- “complete visibility” of capacity additions by 2035-36 – CEA
- “PRM... ensures [the system] remains resilient even with high levels of renewable energy.” – CEA[[1]](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/clean-tech/key-takeaways-from-ceas-national-power-generation-adequacy-plan-for-the-coming-decade/article70799928.ece)
Why it matters
India's power system must balance rapid demand growth with renewable scaling to avoid shortages. It signals utilities and investors to prioritise PSPs, coal reliability, and visible projects for stable supply. Watch capacity addition progress and PRM maintenance amid RE integration.[[1]](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/clean-tech/key-takeaways-from-ceas-national-power-generation-adequacy-plan-for-the-coming-decade/article70799928.ece)