India’s coal and lignite-based power generation continues to play a dominant role in meeting the country’s electricity demand, with an installed capacity of about 230.8 GW. From April to June 2026, these plants supplied 69.54% of the country’s total electricity. During non-solar peak demand hours, they achieved a maximum generation of about 188.8 GW, accounting for around 75% of the total generation of 251.4 GW.
The government said that as of July 12, 2026, thermal power plants had 42.8 million tonnes (MT) of coal stock, sufficient for 14 days at an 85% Plant Load Factor (PLF). It added that coal supplies to thermal power plants are currently adequate to meet daily demand.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) plans scheduled maintenance of thermal power units well in advance after assessing expected power demand across different months. Scheduled maintenance is minimized during peak demand periods, while the CEA also reviews requests to defer maintenance on a case-by-case basis based on the technical condition of individual plants.
To support the integration of renewable energy into the power grid, the government notified the “Central Electricity Authority (Flexible Operation of Coal based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023” on January 30, 2023. The regulations require all coal-based thermal power generating units to achieve a minimum technical operating level of 40% under the phasing plan specified by the CEA.
The government also highlighted several measures taken to ensure uninterrupted thermal power generation during peak demand periods. During FY 2025-26, 9,470 MW of thermal power capacity was added, while another 2,260 MW has been commissioned in the current financial year. Coal supplies to thermal power plants are monitored daily through a joint committee of the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Coal, with priority given to coal rakes and coal dispatch. An Inter Ministerial Committee comprising the Chairman of the Railway Board, the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal and the Secretary of the Ministry of Power also reviews coal supplies regularly.
In addition, about 2,669 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 7,426 MW of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) have been commissioned so far. These systems store excess electricity generated during solar hours and primarily supply power during non-solar hours. The information was provided by Minister of State for Power Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
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