In India, thermal based power generation is predominant as we have over 300 billion tonnes of coal reserve. Now over one-third of power generated is from coal based power. To drive economic growth, electricity needs to be a prime driver. Coal based capacity provides an important measure for rapid augmentation of electricity. Around 100 GW of thermal power capacity is being planned till 2022. Though over 12 Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) were announced only two became operational and one is under stoppage of work due to coal price.
However, Indian government is actively working to award Cheyyur UMPP, Bedabahal UMPP and Bihar UMPP. Besides 63000 MW of thermal power projects are under construction and around 26400 MW of new capacities are being planned. Around 10000 MW of old thermal power plant capacity are being renovated and modernized.
Considering the attractiveness, many foreign investors have ventured into thermal power sector, the larger ones are CLP Holdings (Hong Kong), GE Energy (USA), AES (USA), Kosep (South Korea), Abellon Clean Energy (Canada) and GDF SUEZ (France)
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