Coal Availability and Thermal Power Generation Status
The Ministry of Power reported that coal-based generation capacity in India stands at approximately 230.8 GW, accounting for 69.54% of total electricity supplied from April to June 2026. During non-solar peak demand hours, coal-based power plants achieved maximum generation of about 188.8 GW, representing around 75% of the total generation capacity of 251.4 GW.
As of July 12, 2026, thermal power plants maintain coal stock of 42.8 Million Tonnes, which is sufficient for 14 days of operation at 85% Plant Load Factor. The ministry confirmed that sufficient coal is being received by thermal power plants to meet daily demand requirements.
Operational Management and Regulatory Framework
Scheduled maintenance of thermal units is planned in advance considering monthly demand scenarios, with standard practice minimizing maintenance during peak months. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) monitors and permits maintenance deferment on a case-by-case basis based on technical parameters when increased demand necessitates such action.
To facilitate renewable energy integration, the Central Electricity Authority (Flexible Operation of Coal based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023, notified on January 30, 2023, mandate all coal-based thermal power generating units to achieve a minimum technical level of 40% as per CEA's phasing plan.
Government Initiatives for Power Security
The government has implemented multiple measures to ensure uninterrupted thermal power generation during peak demand periods. During FY 2025-26, 9,470 MW of thermal capacity was added, with a further 2,260 MW commissioned in the current financial year. Coal supply to thermal power plants is monitored daily through a joint committee comprising the Ministry of Power, Railways, and Ministry of Coal.
Priority has been accorded to coal rakes and coal dispatch to power houses. An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) consisting of the Chairman of the Railway Board, Secretary of Ministry of Coal, and Secretary of Ministry of Power regularly reviews coal supplies to thermal power plants.
Additionally, 2,669 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 7,426 MW of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) have been commissioned to date. These energy storage systems store excess power generated during solar hours and utilize the stored electricity primarily during non-solar hours, supplementing thermal power generation.
This information was formally provided by The Minister of State in the Ministry of Power, Shri Shripad Naik, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.