Vedanta Group CEO Sunil Duggal has endorsed the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) proposed 100 GW thermal capacity expansion, calling it a “strategic enabler” for India’s ambitious target of deploying 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Speaking at the India Energy Forum 2025, Duggal emphasized that thermal power will play a crucial balancing role in the country’s energy transition, ensuring grid stability and industrial reliability as renewables scale up.
The CEA’s latest National Electricity Plan outlines the need for an additional 100 GW of coal-based capacity by 2030, citing rising peak demand, energy storage limitations, and the intermittency of solar and wind sources. While the proposal has sparked debate among climate advocates, Duggal argued that a pragmatic mix of thermal and renewable sources is essential for India’s economic and energy security.
India’s Energy Transition – Key Capacity Targets by 2030
| Energy Source | Current Installed Capacity (2025) | Target Capacity (2030) | Growth Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | 180 GW | 500 GW | +320 GW |
| Thermal (Coal) | 210 GW | 310 GW | +100 GW |
| Nuclear | 7 GW | 22 GW | +15 GW |
| Hydro | 47 GW | 70 GW | +23 GW |
| Total Grid Capacity | ~444 GW | ~902 GW | +458 GW |
Duggal noted that Vedanta, one of India’s largest industrial energy consumers, is actively investing in both solar and wind projects while maintaining captive thermal assets to ensure uninterrupted operations. “We support the renewable push, but we also need firm power. The 100 GW thermal plan is not a contradiction—it’s a complement,” he said.
He added that the industrial sector’s demand for reliable, round-the-clock energy cannot be met by renewables alone, especially in the absence of scalable battery storage and pumped hydro solutions. “We need to avoid blackouts, voltage fluctuations, and supply shocks. That’s where thermal comes in,” Duggal explained.
Vedanta Group – Energy Portfolio Snapshot (2025)
| Energy Type | Capacity (MW) | Usage Purpose | Expansion Plans (2030) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captive Thermal | 3,500 | Smelters, mining units | Maintain with upgrades |
| Solar (Utility + Rooftop) | 1,200 | Refining, commercial | Expand to 3,000 MW |
| Wind | 800 | Grid support | Expand to 2,000 MW |
| Green Hydrogen Pilot | 10 | R&D and testing | Scale to 100 MW |
The CEA’s plan also includes a phased retirement of older, inefficient coal plants and the commissioning of ultra-supercritical units with lower emissions. Duggal welcomed this approach, stating that “modern thermal plants are cleaner, more efficient, and better suited for flexible operations.”
He further stressed the importance of policy alignment, urging regulators to streamline approvals, incentivize hybrid projects, and ensure fair pricing for ancillary services. “We need a grid that rewards flexibility, not just generation,” he said.
The Ministry of Power has echoed similar sentiments, with Union Minister R K Singh recently stating that “India cannot afford to abandon coal abruptly” and that “thermal power will remain essential until storage and green hydrogen become commercially viable.”
Challenges in Renewable Integration – Industry Viewpoint
| Challenge Area | Description | Thermal Role in Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Grid Stability | Frequency and voltage fluctuations | Thermal provides inertia and control |
| Peak Load Management | Evening demand spikes | Thermal fills solar drop-off gaps |
| Seasonal Variability | Monsoon impact on solar, wind | Thermal ensures year-round supply |
| Storage Limitations | Battery costs, scalability issues | Thermal acts as backup |
| Industrial Reliability | Continuous power for heavy industries | Thermal ensures uninterrupted flow |
Environmental groups have raised concerns over the thermal expansion, citing carbon emissions and global climate commitments. However, Duggal argued that India’s energy transition must be “just, inclusive, and economically viable,” especially for sectors like mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure.
He also highlighted Vedanta’s commitment to ESG goals, including a pledge to achieve net-zero by 2050 and reduce carbon intensity by 25% by 2030. “We’re not ignoring climate risks. We’re balancing them with development needs,” he said.
Social media and industry forums have responded with mixed reactions, with hashtags like #ThermalTransition, #500GWChallenge, and #VedantaEnergyVision trending across platforms. Analysts believe the CEA’s plan could unlock new investment opportunities in hybrid energy parks, grid modernization, and clean coal technologies.
Public Sentiment – CEA’s Thermal Push and Renewable Goals
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 72% mixed | #ThermalTransition #500GWChallenge |
| 980K interactions | 78% analytical | #VedantaEnergyVision #CEAPlan2030 | |
| 860K interactions | 70% concerned | #CoalVsClean #IndiaEnergyDebate | |
| YouTube | 740K views | 75% curious | #EnergyFutureIndia #PowerBalance |
As India prepares for COP31 and ramps up its clean energy diplomacy, the debate over thermal power’s role is expected to intensify. For now, industry leaders like Duggal are calling for a balanced roadmap that combines ambition with realism.
“The 500 GW renewable target is achievable. But we must build the bridge with thermal, not burn it,” Duggal concluded.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available energy policy documents, verified industry statements, and media reports. It does not constitute investment advice or environmental endorsement. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
