Thermal power capacity addition slows in April-August

The country met its 12th Plan target in thermal power expansion, achieving 99,209.47 Mw, overshooting the stipulated 88,537 Mw

Stress in thermal power showed up in the lacklustre capacity addition in the sector in April-August. During this period, only 3790 Mw fresh capacity was added despite the targeted addition of 14,956 Mw for 2017-18, states a report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

No new thermal power capacity was added for the month of August by the central or state power utilities or even the private developers. This was despite the target of 2,720 Mw set for August.

Given the sluggish pace of capacity addition, creation of the balance capacity of 11,166 Mw to meet the target looks a