The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has said in its draft National Electricity Plan (2017-2022) that no more coal-based power capacity addition will be required till 2022 as renewable-based power generation is gaining more prominence.
CEA is the apex authority for decision making for the power sector in the country. The National Electricity Plans act as guidelines for policy making for the sector.
The CEA mentioned in the draft plan that renewable sources will contribute about 20.3% and 24.2% of the total energy requirement in the country by 2021-22 and 2026-27 respectively.
If the guidelines of the plan is adhered to by the government, then the 4,000 MW Ultra Mega Power Plants (UMPP) will not be required.
In the country, about 50,000 MW is under construction, and 180,000 MW is running at 50-60% capacity.
Coal consumption in the country will also take a hit, if construction of additional coal-based power plants is stopped in the country.
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