Thermal power ends FY19 on a glum note, only 29% of target achieved

The domestic thermal power sector hit many speed bumps in FY19 and managed to achieve just 29 per cent of the envisaged target.

Although 7266.15 Mw in fresh thermal power capacity was supposed to be added, only 2129.75 Mw was actually added, data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed.

“Thermal power generation is losing traction with the surge of renewable energy. The market is also oversupplied with coal-fired power. Developers who add fresh capacities also need to negotiate risks like lack of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), non-availability of coal linkages and competitive tariffs from solar and wind power