As per the data released by the Central Electricity Authority India’s power generation capacity as of 30 September 2024 demonstrates a complex mix of regional strengths and ownership patterns, with thermal power continuing to dominate, even as renewables gain traction. The Private sector’s large share in non-conventional power is a positive indicator of progress toward sustainability goals. However, the Government’s role, especially through Central ownership of nuclear power and significant hydro projects, remains essential for strategic energy security.
The Western, Southern, and Northern regions are the primary power generation hubs, driven by high industrial and population demands, while regions like the North Eastern and Islands, with limited capacity, reflect lower demand and geographical challenges.
Generation Capacity by Region
Of the six regions, the Western, Southern, and Northern regions combined hold over 90% of the installed power generation capacity in India, reflecting the industrial and population demands in these regions.
Western Region: With a total capacity of 150,257.88 MW, the Western region leads in installed power generation capacity, accounting for 33.19% of India’s total. This region benefits from a significant share of thermal and nuclear energy generation.
Southern Region: The Southern region follows closely with a total capacity of 131,524.02 MW, comprising 29.05% of the total. The region’s energy mix includes a large portion of non-conventional sources, indicating a focus on renewable energy sources.
Northern Region: With 129,100.60 MW, the Northern region holds 28.52% of the total capacity. This region has a balanced mix of thermal and hydropower, with a small portion contributed by nuclear energy.
Eastern Region: The Eastern region contributes 7.99% of the total, amounting to 36,153.12 MW. The region’s capacity relies heavily on thermal sources, with minimal contributions from hydro or other renewable sources.
North Eastern Region: Representing only 1.21% of India’s total capacity, the North Eastern region has 5,499.54 MW, predominantly from thermal and a small portion of hydropower.
Islands: The Islands, including regions like Andaman and Nicobar, contribute a negligible 0.04% of the total, with only 159.67 MW. This capacity is predominantly thermal, with limited access to other energy sources due to geographical constraints.
Generation Capacity by Ownership
The dominance of private ownership in the total installed capacity reflects the liberalization of the power sector in India and the government’s encouragement of private investment, particularly in renewable energy.
The Government controls a significant portion of power generation capacity, totalling 212,734.87 MW (46.99% of the total).
With 108,281.94 MW (23.92%), State Governments primarily contribute through thermal and hydro sources. This reflects the role of state-level energy policies and investments in local power generation.
The Central Government owns 104,452.93 MW (23.07%), including all 8,180 MW of nuclear capacity. The Central Government’s focus is on strategic energy sources, such as nuclear and large-scale hydro projects, providing a stable backbone for the nation’s energy grid.
The Private sector, with 239,959.96 MW (53.01%), surpasses the Government’s capacity. This highlights the increasing role of private players in India’s energy landscape. The private sector has shown substantial investment in renewable sources, reflected in their large share in non-conventional sources, supporting India’s sustainability goals.
Installed Capacity by Composition
The high share of thermal energy capacity signals ongoing reliance on fossil fuels, but the substantial growth in hydro and non-conventional capacities indicates a gradual shift towards renewable energy. The concentrated ownership of nuclear power under the Central Government showcases nuclear energy’s strategic and regulatory importance in India’s energy mix.
Thermal energy remains the backbone of India’s power generation, with a total capacity of 243,056.91 MW, which constitutes a significant portion of the total installed capacity. This reflects India’s historical reliance on coal and other fossil fuels for energy production.
Nuclear energy accounts for 8,180 MW, which is entirely under Central Government ownership. Although this is a small fraction of the total, nuclear power offers a stable and low-carbon alternative to thermal power.
Hydro and Non-Conventional Sources with a combined capacity of 201,457.91 MW are growing in importance. The Private sector contributes significantly in this segment, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable energy investments. The sector’s substantial share in non-conventional sources aligns with India’s renewable energy targets, including commitments made under international climate agreements.
Moving forward, a balanced approach that leverages both government-led strategic investments and private-sector-driven renewable projects will be key to achieving energy security, meeting climate goals, and supporting economic growth across India.
Cover photo: pexels.com
