Regulator in India's top solar state again blocks 3.2 GW coal power project

NEW DELHI: The power regulator of Rajasthan - India's largest solar power producing state - blocked for a second time a proposed 3.2 gigawatt coal-fired power project, asking utilities to reassess demand and ‌capacity needs ⁠before ⁠proceeding.

Here are some details:

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission had already refused permission for the proposed coal power project in November, saying it conflicted with clean energy goals and lacked justification under demand forecasts.


State ⁠power utility ‌Rajasthan Urja Vikas & IT Services ​Ltd, ​however, filed a review petition, arguing ⁠the new capacity was needed to meet ​rising round-the-clock demand.

In an ​order issued late on Friday, the regulator disposed of the review petition without clearing the project.

It also directed state utilities to carry out proper resource planning ‌to assess how much coal power was needed for the state.

​Several other ​Indian states ⁠are accelerating their coal power purchases, citing strong power demand and the need for round-the-clock, base-load ​power.

India is aiming to nearly double its non-fossil fuel-based power capacity to 500 GW by 2030 as a part of its 2070 net-zero ambitions.