The Power Ministry assured on Friday that India’s power sector is “adequately positioned” to meet short-term and long-term demand adding that as an extra precaution it has deferred maintenance shutdowns at thermal power plants (TPPs), unlocking around 10,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
Piyush Singh, Additional Secretary at the Power Ministry, said at the inter-ministerial briefing on West Asia on Friday that in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising volatility in global energy markets, the Ministry of Power has undertaken a comprehensive review of India’s power sector preparedness.
In the short term, Singh explained that the Ministry has directed that planned maintenance of TPPs is being deferred to ensure availability of adequate generation capacity during April to June 2026, which will unlock around 10,000 MW additional capacity.
This additional capacity will help compensate for around 8,000 MW of gas-based power capacity that is struggling for want of supplies due to the West Asian conflict.
Besides, the Ministry is also accelerating commissioning of under construction projects — thermal, hydro, solar, wind, hybrid, battery energy storage system (BESS), pumped storage project (PSP) during April-June,2026. This includes 3,500 MW coal fired capacity, 10,000 MW solar power and 2,500 MW wind power.
“India’s current installed capacity of over 531,000 MW reflects a well-diversified portfolio, with significant contributions from coal, renewables, hydro, and nuclear sources, with non-fossil sources exceeding 50 per cent. This capacity is supported by a strong transmission backbone of approximately 5 lakh circuit kilometres (ckm) and over 120,000 MW inter-regional transfer capability, ensuring reliable power flow across regions,” he noted.
Coal stock
Besides, adequate coal stock is being ensured at thermal power plants to address near-term supply challenges. Currently, the stock is around 55 million tonnes, which is sufficient for 19 days. Imported coal-based (ICB) plants are being fully operationalised to maximise existing capacity.
India’s peak power demand is expected at around 271,000 MW in 2026 from 245,000 MW in 2025 and 250,000 MW in 2024.
Policy measures, including 10-year resource adequacy planning by states, green energy corridors, interstate transmission charge waivers, and schemes such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission are supporting the transition, the ministry said.
Published on April 10, 2026