Rajasthan eyes coal power revival to meet energy demand

Rajasthan is anticipated to require 4,400 megawatts of new coal-fired power capacity by 2036, a substantial upward revision from previous projections. This need arises as the state plans to decommission its existing 1,350 MW of older coal power facilities. The Central Electricity Authority has more than doubled its earlier estimate for the state's coal power requirements.

Despite being India's top renewable energy producer, Rajasthan faces challenges in meeting round-the-clock electricity demand solely with clean sources. The intermittency of solar and wind power, coupled with the current limitations of battery storage systems, necessitates the continued reliance on coal for stable baseload generation. Several other Indian states are also increasing their coal power procurement for similar reasons.

The revised power demand forecast has prompted Rajasthan's power regulator to reconsider its earlier denial of a permit for a new 3,200 MW coal power plant. The state utility had argued for the necessity of additional coal capacity to ensure energy security as the economy expands and power consumption rises.