Power Resources of India

6.1 Conventional Energy Sources

Thermal Power

Coal-based thermal power accounts for ~56% of India's total electricity generation (2023–24). Major thermal power states: MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP, AP, Tamil Nadu.

Key facts:

• India's largest coal-based plant: Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station (6,760 MW, MP)
• NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) is India's largest power generator

Hydroelectric Power

India's hydropower potential is ~1,45,320 MW — only ~30% has been utilised. Current installed capacity: ~47 GW.

Major projects:

• Bhakra Dam (Punjab/HP border) — 1,325 MW
• Tehri Dam — 1,000 MW
• Sardar Sarovar — 1,450 MW
• Hirakud — 347 MW
• Nagarjunasagar — 816 MW

Arunachal Pradesh has >50,000 MW potential — termed "future powerhouse of India."

Nuclear Power

Current installed capacity: 7,480 MW (24 reactors in operation, March 2024). Active plants:

• Tarapur (MH), Rawatbhata (Raj), Kudankulam (TN), Kaiga (KA)
• Narora (UP), Kakrapar (GJ), Kalpakkam (TN)

India's three-stage nuclear programme:

• Stage 1 — Natural uranium PWR/HWR (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors)
• Stage 2 — Fast breeder reactors using plutonium (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam)
• Stage 3 — Thorium-based advanced reactors (uses India's vast thorium reserves)

6.2 Renewable Energy — India's Growing Strength

India has committed to 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030 (COP26, 2021 NDC update). As of March 2024:

Source	Installed Capacity (GW)	Key States
Solar	~82 GW	Rajasthan (Bhadla, Jaisalmer), Gujarat, MP, AP
Wind	~45 GW	Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, AP
Hydro (large)	~47 GW	Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, NE States
Biomass	~10 GW	UP, MH, AP, Karnataka
Small Hydro	~5 GW	HP, Uttarakhand, J&K
Total Renewable	~195 GW	—

Solar Energy

India's solar irradiance is among the world's highest — average 300 sunny days/year. Key achievements:

• Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) — world's largest solar park — 2,245 MW (Phase IV completed)
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): India-France initiative (Paris 2015); 121 "sunshine countries" signed; HQ: Gurugram; aims to mobilize $1 trillion by 2030 for solar deployment

Wind Energy

India is the 4th largest wind energy country globally. Wind power is concentrated in peninsular India:

• Tamil Nadu (Muppandal, Tirunelveli)
• Gujarat (Jamnagar, Kutch)
• Rajasthan (Jaisalmer, Barmer)
• Karnataka (Chitradurga, Belgaum)
• Andhra Pradesh

Biogas and Biomass

GOBAR-DHAN scheme (2018): Converts cattle dung and organic waste to biogas, producing both energy and organic fertilizer.

National Biogas Programme: 6+ million family-sized biogas plants installed across India.

Tidal/Wave/Geothermal (Emerging)

• Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat): Tidal energy potential; feasibility study completed
• Puga Valley (Ladakh): Geothermal energy site; ONGC exploring
• Lakshadweep/A&N: Wave energy potential studies ongoing

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