Energy supply projections: In the BAU scenario, the Indian power generation capacity increases about nine times from 135 GW to 3500 GW between 2000 and 2100. The share of coal in total generation capacity drops from a little over 65% in 2000 to about 52% by the end of the century but remains the mainstay of power generation. A notable feature of technology trajectory is substantial increase in gas- and nuclear-based capacities, which reach about 1316 GW and 633 GW, respectively, in 2100. The growing attractiveness for natural gas is due to its relatively low investment costs as compared to coal, high operating efficiencies, and suitability for meeting peak load. Nuclear capacity shows enhanced penetration because of the ease of import of uranium post Indo-US nuclear deal. Hydro capacity increases to about 232 GW in 2100, but its share decreases from about 25% in 2000 to 7% of the total installed capacity by 2100. The slow growth in capacity is due to barriers of high investment requirements and long gestation periods. A number of socio-environmental issues are related to dam construction, flooding of areas, damages to the ecology, and resettlement and rehabilitation of the population.
The share of renewables excluding biomass increases to about 3% by the end of the century. Biomass share also steadily increases to 2.5% by the end of the century. The total renewables-based generation capacity reaches 98 GW, while that of biomass touches 87 GW in 2100.
Electricity Generation (Th)