Country's installed capacity reaches 177 GW

As of 30 June 2011, the installed power generation capacity of the country has gone up to 1,76,990.4 MW, as per a report released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Out of the total installed capacity, thermal power plants- powered by coal, gas and diesel- account for almost 65% or 1,15,649.48 MW. Hydroelectric plants add up to 21.50% of the total capacity, while nuclear power utilities account for only 3% of the aggregate i.e. 4,780 MW. The share of power from renewable energy sources is 10.40%.

• According to the report, the western region of the country has the highest installed capacity, at 54,512.25 MW, followed by the southern region, with a capacity of 48,612.30 MW, and the northern region, with 47,488.55 MW, while the north-eastern region has an installed capacity of 2,329.34 MW, which is the least amongst major regions of the country, constituting 1.31% of the country`s aggregate.8To add to the above, the installed capacity of the eastern region stands at 23,971.84 MW. The installed generation capacity of the island regions has been pegged at 76.12 MW, which is 0.04% of the total capacity.