From Data Centres to EVs: Why India needs 400GW of thermal power despite the green push

Despite rapid renewable additions, policymakers remain clear that coal-based power remains essential for reliability. Between 92GW and 97GW of new thermal capacity is planned up to 2032, with a significant number of orders already placed. Over the longer term, thermal capacity is expected to stabilise at 350–400GW, even as renewable capacity expands toward 1,800–2,000GW.