India balancing Power

With the government mandating 40 percent renewable integration in new thermal projects, the nation is paving the way for a hybrid power model.

India stands at a critical juncture in its energy evolution, tasked with the dual challenge of expanding its thermal power capacity while integrating renewable energy into its grid. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India’s energy demand is surging, and so is the pressure to meet this demand sustainably. Innovation is no longer optional but a necessity in this ongoing transitional phase. Yet, innovation must be thoughtfully balanced with the expertise and experience of the country’s existing thermal power workforce.

Technological advancements like AI-driven analytics, SCADA systems, and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) promise greater efficiency and environmental benefits. Still, their adoption must not overlook the realities of workforce adaptability and infrastructural disparities across regions. With the government mandating 40 percent renewable integration in new thermal projects, the nation is paving the way for a hybrid power model. There is a need for storage solutions, regulatory coordination and inclusive innovation strategies that can be utilised to meet the growing energy demand in the country, which comes from thermal and renewable sources. 

Let us delve into the story to explore the nuanced interplay between legacy systems and modern technology, examining how India can build a resilient, equitable and forward-looking energy landscape that respects its skilled workforce while balancing conventional and renewable power.

Balancing Innovation and Expertise in Thermal Power Expansion

As India prepares to meet the challenge of integrating an additional 80 GW of thermal power capacity, innovation remains both a necessity and a complex transition. Balancing innovation and expertise is vital for thermal power expansion. Embracing advanced technologies enhances efficiency and sustainability while leveraging industry expertise to ensure reliable operations. A strategic blend of both drives growth meets rising energy demands and aligns with environmental goals to secure a stable and progressive energy future. 

Aekamdeep Kaur, an academician and researcher, highlights the nuanced challenges that come with this shift, especially concerning workforce dynamics within the thermal power sector. “Innovation is not a problem,” Kaur explains. “The ground situation is. The people already working in thermal power plants, many with over 25 years of experience, can’t just be thrown out.” This comment underscores the human dimension often overlooked in policy and technological transitions. With artificial intelligence (AI), SCADA systems and Python-based analytics becoming increasingly integral to modern power plants, the need for skilled digital proficiency is clear. However, Kaur points out a key barrier, “You can’t teach a 50- or 60-year-old person new artificial intelligence tools. It is a difficult task.” Kaur’s insights highlight a critical question: How can energy innovation coexist with respect for the existing workforce? One approach may lie in hybrid strategies, phased integration of advanced technologies, reskilling programmes, and mentorship models. Another possibility is a dual operation, where new systems run parallel with traditional methods, allowing gradual adaptation.  

As we aim for energy expansion, it must be recognised that technology alone cannot drive transformation. Human capital, especially experienced personnel, is equally vital. As Kaur puts it, “We need skilled people, not just new systems.” Innovation must, therefore, be inclusive, designed not to replace but to empower. This balanced perspective is essential in preparing for a sustainable and equitable energy future, where technological advancement and workforce dignity are preserved in the march toward greater capacity and efficiency.

Government mandate for thermal power producers

In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has mandated that all new thermal power plants incorporate at least 40 percent renewable energy in their generation mix. This policy aims to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy, reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. Compliance will require investment in hybrid systems, grid upgrades and renewable sourcing to meet the prescribed energy mix targets.

Sheikh Mojaharul Islam, Head of Business Development at Kundan Green Energy, emphasises the industry’s growing compliance with the regulations. “The government has already mandated using 40 percent renewable energy with new thermal plants. If you are installing a new plant, you have to go with 40 percent renewable morally mandated with solar,” he states. Mojharul Islam also highlights a successful implementation at one of India’s largest steel power plants in Dhule, Maharashtra. “They had their thermal plant operating and then took out a big chunk of land for the solar part. Producers have been following the solar mandate since it came in. They are not having problems because the solar power is infused into their thermal grid during the daytime and then supplied to the power grid or substation,” he explains.

While the regulation is being adopted without major pushback from the thermal industry, regional differences in land and energy policies remain a critical consideration. Aekamdeep Kaur notes the complexity of renewable deployment across states, “Every state has its policy… it is very difficult to comment. It depends on where you are investing and the local norms in that region.” This decentralised regulatory environment means that while central mandates guide overall strategy, local implementation varies significantly. States like Rajasthan, with vast open land and intense solar radiation, may find it easier to comply than densely populated or industrialised states. The regulation reflects the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and aligning with international climate targets. 

By mandating renewable integration in new thermal capacities, the government is encouraging cleaner energy and ensuring grid stability through a mix of RTC (Round-The-Clock) power from both thermal and solar sources.

Renewables and growing energy demands

As a nation, we are at the forefront of a green energy revolution. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India’s energy demand is surging, and so is the ambition to meet it sustainably. The central question remains: Can renewable energy alone meet India’s growing energy demands? Experts believe it is possible, but not without overcoming significant challenges in technology, infrastructure, and policy.

The country has made remarkable progress in expanding its renewable energy sector, including solar, wind, hydro and emerging technologies like hydrogen and battery storage. As Mojaharul Islam puts it, “So the thing is, yes, of course it can be done. There are different kinds of options we are going into, like pump storage and battery energy storage.” However, he points out that current cost viability is a major hurdle. “The cost of commercials has to come down. Of course, at some point, we have to go 100 per cent green, which is possible, but it will take a timeline of 30 to 40 years.” Islam also emphasises the importance of technology in keeping pace with demand. “Our demands are increasing a lot, and technology advancement is also required,” he says. The potential exists; remote African areas are already functioning on solar and battery storage systems. However, scaling such models to match India’s vast and dynamic demand is a larger challenge. 

Sharing his views, Balkrishn Kamath, Consultant at Entrust Power, echoes the optimism but draws attention to a crucial issue, i.e. energy storage. “Renewable, yes, it is possible, no issues… even if we cover half of the desert of Rajasthan, I think it will supply the whole of Asia,” he claims, referring to the immense solar potential. However, he stresses, “What do we do at night?” The intermittency of solar and wind power remains a critical challenge. Kamath points to hydrogen as a promising solution. “Battery is not environment-friendly, and life is short,” he explains. “Now all the work is happening in hydrogen as storage.” Hydrogen, if produced and stored efficiently, can act as a long-term storage solution and a transportation fuel. “Once the hydrogen technology is cheaper and available commercially, total dependence on renewable energy is possible,” Kamath adds. 

However, Baldev Raj Narang, CEO of Clariant Power System, is not convinced that renewable energy alone can fulfil India’s near-term energy needs. Baldev Narang offers a more pragmatic view. “Till 24/7 availability of renewable power is achieved, our dependence on conventional thermal plants will continue,” he says. Citing government plans, Narang notes, “It is only very recently that the government has projected 80 gigawatts of new thermal plants to be commissioned.” According to Narang, thermal power still plays a vital role in maintaining grid stability. “They will keep the grid stable because they have good SCR values and inertia. Big players like NTPC and JSW are coming up with new thermal plants; even Coal India Limited and Vedanta have plans for new thermal plants,” he says. “Even weak systems, once connected to the solar system, become strong.” 

While renewable energy holds immense promise, it is not yet ready to shoulder the entire burden of the nation’s energy needs. Significant investments in storage technology, grid infrastructure, and research, especially in hydrogen, are essential. As Kamath suggests, “Once storage is solved, intermittency is no longer a problem.” Until then, a hybrid model where conventional sources complement renewables remains the most feasible path forward.

The green transition is not just a dream; it is a journey. While renewable energy may one day power the entire nation, for now, the road to a sustainable future will require a mix of innovation, investment, and strategic compromise.

Though renewable power is gaining momentum, India cannot completely move away from thermal power; it remains essential. The way forward is to modernise thermal plants. Future thermal projects must be designed to handle fluctuating demand and variable renewable generation. Balancing both sources is crucial for building a resilient, sustainable, and efficient power ecosystem for the future.