The National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the period of 2022-32 has been notified by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This plan is an important document that provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s electricity requirements, projected growth, power sources, and challenges for the next decade. Let’s delve deeper into the details of the NEP 2022-32.

NEP 2022-32

The NEP 2022-32 consists of three main components: a review of the last five years (2017-22), a detailed plan for the next five years (2022-27), and a prospective plan for the subsequent five years (2027-32). The CEA is mandated by the Electricity Act, 2003 to prepare the NEP in accordance with the National Electricity Policy and notify it every five years.

Assessing Electricity Needs and Projected Growth

The NEP aims to assess India’s current electricity needs and project its growth for the next decade. According to the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS) Demand projections, the projected All India peak electricity demand is expected to be 277.2 GW for the year 2026-27 and 366.4 GW for the year 2031-32. Similarly, the projected electrical energy requirement is estimated to be 1907.8 BU for 2026-27 and 2473.8 BU for 2031-32.

Understanding Installed Capacity and Power Sources

Installed capacity refers to the total capacity of power generation sources in the country. However, it’s important to note that installed capacity does not directly translate into generated power due to varying efficiencies of different energy sources and their availability limitations. For example, solar power is only available during the day, and wind energy depends on climate variables. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these factors.

Renewable Energy Sources

The NEP acknowledges the importance of renewable energy sources in meeting India’s growing electricity demands. It predicts that by 2026-27, renewable energy will contribute to approximately 35.04% of the total generated electricity and increase to around 43.96% by 2031-32. This emphasizes the need for continued investment and development in renewable energy infrastructure.

Non-Fossil Fuel Based Energy

India has set a target to achieve a non-fossil based installed capacity of around 500 GW by 2029-30. The NEP aligns with this target and projects that the share of non-fossil based capacity will increase to 57.4% by the end of 2026-27 and potentially rise further to 68.4% by the end of 2031-32. This demonstrates a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

Coal Requirement and Imports

Despite the focus on renewable energy, coal still plays a crucial role in India’s energy mix. The NEP estimates a domestic coal requirement of 866.4 million tonnes for 2026-27 and 1025.8 million tonnes for 2031-32. Additionally, an estimated 28.9 million tonnes of coal imports will be required for plants designed to run on imported coal.

Important Points:

  • NEP 2022-32 includes a review of the past five years, a detailed plan for the next five years, and a prospective plan for the subsequent five years. 📝
  • The NEP assesses India’s electricity needs, projected growth, power sources, and challenges. 📊
  • The projected peak electricity demand for 2026-27 is 277.2 GW and for 2031-32 is 366.4 GW. ⚡️
  • Renewable energy sources will contribute to approximately 35.04% of total electricity generation by 2026-27 and around 43.96% by 2031-32. 🌞
  • The NEP aims to achieve a non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity of 500 GW by 2029-30. ♻️
  • The share of non-fossil fuel-based capacity is projected to increase to 57.4% by 2026-27 and potentially rise to 68.4% by 2031-32. 🌿
  • The NEP estimates a domestic coal requirement of 866.4 million tonnes for 2026-27 and 1025.8 million tonnes for 2031-32. 🏭
  • Approximately 28.9 million tonnes of coal imports are expected for plants designed to run on imported coal. 🚢
Why In News

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) recently announced the National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the period of 2022-32, aiming to shape India’s power sector in the coming decade. This comprehensive plan will guide the development of sustainable and reliable electricity infrastructure while addressing the growing demand and integrating renewable energy sources.

MCQs about National Electricity Plan 2022-32

  1. According to the NEP 2022-32, what is the estimated requirement of coal imports for plants designed to run on imported coal?
    A. 10.5 million tonnes
    B. 20.2 million tonnes
    C. 28.9 million tonnes
    D. 35.6 million tonnes
    Correct Answer: C. 28.9 million tonnes
    Explanation: As per the NEP, an estimated requirement of 28.9 million tonnes of coal imports is expected for the plants designed to run on imported coal.
  2. What is the role of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in relation to the National Electricity Plan (NEP)?
    A. Prepare and notify the NEP
    B. Implement the NEP
    C. Conduct reviews of the NEP
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: A. Prepare and notify the NEP
    Explanation: The role of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is to prepare and notify the National Electricity Plan (NEP) as mandated by the Electricity Act, 2003.
  3. What is the purpose of the National Electricity Plan (NEP) prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA)?
    A. Assess India’s current electricity needs
    B. Project future growth and power sources
    C. Identify challenges in the power sector
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: The NEP prepared by the CEA serves the purpose of assessing India’s current electricity needs, projecting future growth and power sources, as well as identifying challenges in the power sector.

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