Ministry of Power Thermal Plant Modernization Plan

The Government of India constituted a committee on March 16, 2022, comprising representatives from NTPC Ltd., Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd. (GSECL), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) to study various aspects of Life extension and Renovation & Modernization (R&M) of coal-based thermal power stations. The committee produced the R&M Guidelines 2023 report, based on which CEA identified 223 units with age older than 20 years as of December 2022 as potential candidates for Renovation & Modernisation/Life Extension (R&M/LE) works.

The R&M/LE works must be implemented in nine phases between January 2024 and June 2046 to avoid major energy demand-supply gaps. The total capacity involved is 63,440 MW across 223 units, comprising 81 central sector units (26,040 MW), 116 state sector units (28,870 MW), and 26 private sector units (8,530 MW).

Phased Implementation Schedule

Phase I (Jan 2024 - Jun 2026): 37 units totaling 7,960 MW (11 central units: 2,230 MW, 25 state units: 5,230 MW, 1 private unit: 500 MW)

Phase II (Jul 2026 - Dec 2028): 30 units totaling 8,310 MW (18 central units: 5,170 MW, 12 state units: 3,140 MW)

Phase III (Jan 2029 - Jun 2031): 24 units totaling 5,370 MW (12 central units: 2,810 MW, 12 state units: 2,560 MW)

Phase IV (Jul 2031 - Dec 2033): 25 units totaling 6,780 MW (8 central units: 2,550 MW, 15 state units: 3,730 MW, 2 private units: 500 MW)

Phase V (Jan 2034 - Jun 2036): 25 units totaling 6,710 MW (5 central units: 1,630 MW, 17 state units: 4,330 MW, 3 private units: 750 MW)

Phase VI (Jul 2036 - Dec 2038): 20 units totaling 7,595 MW (12 central units: 5,420 MW, 8 state units: 2,175 MW)

Phase VII (Jan 2039 - Jun 2041): 25 units totaling 7,590 MW (5 central units: 2,000 MW, 16 state units: 4,590 MW, 4 private units: 1,000 MW)

Phase VIII (Jul 2041 - Dec 2043): 23 units totaling 7,055 MW (5 central units: 1,740 MW, 9 state units: 2,655 MW, 9 private units: 2,660 MW)

Phase IX (Jan 2044 - Jun 2046): 14 units totaling 6,070 MW (5 central units: 2,490 MW, 2 state units: 460 MW, 7 private units: 3,120 MW)

The Central government explicitly states that it neither provides funds nor has any central sector scheme for modernization/upgradation of thermal power plants across India, including Andhra Pradesh. Generating companies are expected to commercially finance the R&M/LE works after evaluating feasibility. This information was provided by The Minister of State in the Ministry of Power, Shri Shripad Naik, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on August 6, 2026.