India plans 1,121 GW power capacity by 2035-36, solar to lead
Author: PPD Team Date: March 20, 2026
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power (MoP), has released the National Generation Adequacy Plan (NGAP) for 2026-27 to 2035-36. The plan outlines a pathway to more than double the country’s electricity generation capacity over the next decade to meet rising demand.
Capacity expansion outlook
The NGAP projects total installed power generation capacity to reach 1,121 GW by 2035-36, up from 520.5 GW as of January 2026. This represents an increase of over 115% in ten years. The plan has been developed using indigenously built tools, ORDENA and STELLAR, with a focus on maintaining reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable electricity supply.
Solar growth and coal’s continued role
Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is projected to increase from around 141 GW to 509 GW by 2035-36, accounting for 45% of total installed capacity. Wind capacity is expected to rise from 55 GW to 155 GW over the same period.
Coal-based capacity is projected to expand to 315 GW, making it the second-largest source with a 28% share. Coal is expected to contribute around 51% of total electricity generation in 2035-36, indicating its continued role in providing baseload supply.
Rising share of non-fossil capacity
Non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity is projected to reach about 786 GW, accounting for 70% of the total by 2035-36, compared to 52% in January 2026. Nuclear capacity is expected to grow from 8.78 GW to 22 GW, aligned with the government’s Nuclear Energy Mission targeting 100 GW by 2047.
Storage requirements
The plan identifies a requirement of 174 GW / 888 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2035-36. This includes 80 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 94 GW of Pumped Storage Projects (PSP). These systems are intended to support renewable integration and meet demand during non-solar hours.
Demand growth projections
Peak electricity demand is projected to increase from 250 GW in 2024-25 to 459 GW by 2035-36, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.58%. Annual energy requirement is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.41%, reaching 3,365 Billion Units (BU) by 2035-36.
Reliability assessment
Monte Carlo simulations conducted under the NGAP indicate an average Loss of Load Probability (LOLP) of 0.18% for 2035-36, within the prescribed threshold of 0.2%. This suggests that the proposed capacity mix is adequate to meet demand reliably.
The plan is scheduled for annual review to reflect changes in demand and sector conditions.
