NTPC Ltd, India’s largest power generator, is set to expand its thermal power capacity by 30 GW by FY2031-32, in response to the country’s rising energy needs. With a current installed capacity of 77 GW, the Maharatna PSU supplies nearly one-fourth of India’s electricity. A senior NTPC executive revealed that these upcoming projects will be brownfield expansions of existing plants, leveraging available land and infrastructure.

The move aligns with the Union government’s broader plan to add 90 GW of new coal-fired capacity by FY32, of which NTPC will contribute 33%. In FY25, NTPC awarded contracts for 8 GW of thermal projects and intends to replicate this in FY26. The decision comes amid projections that peak power demand will reach 366 GW by FY32, nearly 100 GW more than current levels.

While renewable energy is key to India’s long-term goals, current limitations in energy storage make coal vital for ensuring affordability and grid reliability. NTPC originally aimed to add 26 GW, but increased the target to 30 GW at the government’s direction, reinforcing coal’s transitional role in India’s energy strategy.

Source: money control