- Private Indian firms plan to build 10 gigawatts (GW) of coal power expansion.
- Companies like Adani Power, JSW Group, and Essar Power want to expand old plants or develop stalled projects.
Private Indian firms plan to build at least 10 GW of coal power expansion, ending a six-year private sector drought. Sources say companies like Adani Power, JSW Group, and Essar Power want to expand old plants or develop stalled projects.
This previously unreported investment could cost billions of dollars, showing renewed interest in a sector once seen as unprofitable. But this could undermine India’s progress in reducing carbon emissions, as coal power accounts for half of its total capacity.
India’s government aims to boost coal capacity by 80 GW by 2032, citing energy security and low emissions per capita. A power ministry spokesperson says the private sector’s interest is driven by financial viability and assurances of timely payments.
Despite inquiries, the companies involved have not commented on the matter. India’s Association of Power Producers has informed the Power Minister of its members’ desire to increase capacity.
Sources reveal Adani Power plans to add 4.8 GW, JSW 1 GW, and Essar Power 1.6 GW in Gujarat by 2029. Vedanta also aims to increase capacity by 1.9 GW, according to sources. The presentation, dated November 21, projects these plants will be operational by 2032.