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India Targets 1,121 GW Power Capacity by 2036 with 509 GW Solar, 155 GW Wind, 174 GW ESS: CEA

India aims to expand its power capacity to 1,121 GW by 2035-36, including 509 GW of solar, 155 GW of wind, supported by 174 GW/888 GWh of energy storage systems, including BESS, while coal (315 GW) remains a key baseload source, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s National Generation Adequacy Plan.

March 21, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey

India is set to more than double its power capacity to 1,121 GW by 2035–36, driven by an aggressive scale-up in solar, wind and energy storage, even as coal continues to anchor grid reliability, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s National Generation Adequacy Plan.

The roadmap, widely seen as a defining policy signal for the sector, lays out a calibrated transition strategy that balances clean energy expansion with the practical need for dependable baseload power.

India’s installed capacity currently stands at 520.5 GW (January 2026), with non-fossil sources accounting for 52 percent, following a record addition of 52.5 GW in FY26, including 43 GW from renewables. Peak demand has risen from 190 GW in 2020-21 to around 250 GW in 2024-25, reflecting sustained growth in electricity consumption, although recent trends suggest a gradual moderation in demand growth rates.

Under the roadmap, total capacity is projected to reach 1,121 GW by 2035–36, comprising 509 GW of solar, 155 GW of wind, and 315 GW of coal-based capacity, alongside 78 GW of large hydro and 22 GW of nuclear. Energy storage is expected to emerge as a critical pillar, with planned deployment of 174 GW/888 GWh, including 80 GW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 94 GW of pumped storage projects. Peak demand is projected to nearly double to 459 GW, with total energy requirement rising to 3,365 billion units.

The plan indicates that non-fossil sources will account for about 70 percent of installed capacity by 2035–36, but stops short of signalling a rapid coal phase-out. Instead, coal is expected to remain central to system operations, contributing a dominant share of electricity generation to ensure round-the-clock supply. This underscores a pragmatic transition pathway where capacity addition is decarbonised faster than actual generation, reflecting the operational realities of a rapidly growing grid.

A key focus area is the rapid scale-up of energy storage, particularly pumped storage, which is favoured for long-duration requirements due to its longer asset life, lower lifecycle costs, and reduced import dependence compared to battery systems.

In contrast, the plan flags structural risks in BESS deployment due to India’s heavy reliance on imported lithium-ion cells, which account for nearly 75–80 percent of supply and a significant share of overall system costs. This raises concerns around supply chain concentration, price volatility, and energy security, making domestic manufacturing and critical mineral diversification strategic priorities.

The roadmap further highlights the growing role of nuclear energy, with long-term plans to scale capacity to 100 GW by 2047, supported by anticipated policy and regulatory interventions, including potential private and foreign participation and the development of indigenous small modular reactors. At the same time, evolving demand patterns – such as higher electricity consumption during solar hours and strong inter-state demand complementarity – are expected to reshape grid operations, increasing the importance of transmission expansion and flexible generation.

From an investment perspective, the scale of opportunity is substantial, with solar alone requiring annual additions of 35–40 GW and over 100 GW of pumped storage projects already identified. However, execution risks, cost trajectories, and technology performance will be critical determinants of project viability.

For policymakers, the roadmap reinforces the urgency of enhancing coal plant flexibility, accelerating transmission infrastructure under programmes such as the Green Energy Corridor, and securing supply chains for critical inputs. For manufacturers, it signals a broad-based domestic growth cycle across renewable energy, storage, and nuclear segments, aligned with India’s push for self-reliance.

Overall, the plan reflects a dual-track transition strategy – pairing accelerated renewable energy deployment with firm capacity additions and grid-scale storage – positioning India’s power sector for sustained expansion while safeguarding reliability and energy security. Crucially, the document will be revised annually, allowing course correction and signalling both ambition and adaptability in equal measure.

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