Energy Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav outlines power sector achievements, ₹3.4-lakh-crore investment pipeline and renewable push at media briefing in Naya Raipur
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 19, 2026:
In a detailed presentation highlighting rapid growth in power infrastructure and ambitious future plans, Energy Department Secretary Rohit Yadav on Thursday said Chhattisgarh is steadily moving toward becoming the “energy capital of the country,” backed by large-scale capacity additions, renewable expansion and major private and public investments.
Addressing journalists at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Naya Raipur, Dr. Yadav presented a comprehensive overview of achievements across generation, transmission and distribution, along with a forward-looking action plan for the next three years. He said the state has made “significant and measurable progress” in strengthening power infrastructure while simultaneously preparing for the future energy transition.
Installed Capacity Crosses 30,600 MW
The Energy Secretary revealed that the state’s total installed power capacity has reached 30,671.7 MW, combining output from the Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company, central utilities such as NTPC, and private producers. Of this, 28,824 MW comes from thermal power, 220 MW from hydropower and 2,047 MW from solar and biomass sources.
Breaking down thermal capacity, he said the state generation company contributes 2,840 MW, NTPC and private plants together account for 20,299 MW, and captive power plants add another 5,266 MW. He noted that while thermal power continues to dominate the energy mix, diversification is underway in line with national clean-energy goals.
Renewable Push Aligned with National Net-Zero Vision
Dr. Yadav said the state is aligning its strategy with the Government of India’s Net Zero Carbon roadmap, which targets 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 so that half of the country’s electricity demand can be met from clean sources. In this transition, he highlighted the importance of hydropower and pumped-storage projects for maintaining grid stability and balancing intermittent renewable generation.
Under the state’s Pumped Storage Policy–2023, six sites with a combined capacity of 8,300 MW have been identified by the state generation company. Feasibility studies have been completed for five of these, and detailed project reports are under preparation. In parallel, private developers are working on pumped-storage projects totaling nearly 5,000 MW.
Major Projects and Investment Pipeline
The Secretary said a joint venture between NTPC Green Energy Limited and the state generation company is developing renewable projects totaling about 2,000 MW. These include:
- a 6 MW floating solar plant at the reservoir of Atal Bihari Thermal Power Station,
- a 32 MW solar project on the defunct Rakhad Dam in Korba East, and
- a 500 MW battery energy storage system to support grid reliability.
He added that memoranda of understanding have been signed with multiple institutions for new power projects totaling 32,100 MW, comprising 12,100 MW thermal, 4,200 MW nuclear, 2,500 MW floating solar, and 13,300 MW pumped storage capacity. These proposals are expected to attract investments of approximately ₹3.4 lakh crore, indicating strong investor confidence in the state’s power sector.
The state generation company is also planning two 660 MW supercritical units in Korba West and an 800 MW unit in Madwa to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions intensity.
Transmission Network Strengthened
Highlighting infrastructure upgrades, Dr. Yadav said the number of substations has increased from 132 in December 2023 to 137 in January 2026, while transformer capacity has risen significantly. Ageing conductors on 132-kV lines are being replaced with high-capacity HTLS conductors to improve load handling. In addition, 5,200 km of optical fiber ground wire has been installed, digitally connecting 131 substations for real-time communication and grid management.
Distribution and Consumer Base Expands
In the distribution sector, the number of electricity consumers has crossed 6.5 million, reflecting both population growth and rural electrification efforts. Over the past two years, thousands of kilometres of new lines, transformers and substations have been installed to improve supply reliability and reduce outages.
Dr. Yadav also highlighted welfare schemes benefiting citizens, including the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, PM Kusum, Dr. Khubchand Baghel Kisan Vidyut Sahayata Yojana and free power for BPL households. Under the Niyyad Nella Nar initiative, electricity has been extended to hundreds of villages in Naxal-affected regions, improving living standards and supporting local development.
Solar Expansion Through CREDA
Providing details of renewable initiatives implemented by CREDA, he said that in the past two years alone, 26,794 solar irrigation pumps, 7,833 solar drinking water pumps and 1,709 solar high-mast lights have been installed across the state. Plans are also underway to expand rooftop solar installations and off-grid solar plants to further decentralise clean energy access.
Vision for the Next Phase
Dr. Yadav said the state’s long-term strategy is based on a balanced energy mix combining thermal, hydro, nuclear and renewable sources along with technological modernisation of infrastructure. Continuous investment, policy support and industry partnerships, he added, will help transform Chhattisgarh into a self-reliant energy hub with national significance.
Senior officials including Bhim Singh Kanwar, Managing Director of CSPDCL; S K Katiyar, MD of CSPGCL; and Rajesh Kumar Shukla, MD of CSPTCL, along with senior departmental officers, were present at the briefing.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Energy Secretary said the coming years would focus on accelerating renewable capacity, strengthening grid resilience and ensuring reliable, affordable electricity for all consumers—key steps, he noted, toward establishing Chhattisgarh as one of India’s leading energy states.
