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Stressing on the intermittent nature of energy supply through renewable sources, Union Power Minister R K Singh has said that conventional thermal power capacity will continue to play an important role till round-the-clock renewable power is available. He said there will be no compromise on providing round-the-clock power supply to people in the country. He also said that there will be more renewable energy capacity addition than conventional power (thermal coal or lignite based). 

The minister drew attention towards rising power demand which grew by over 20 per cent in August, September and October as well. He said power demand has been at 221 GW level in the first week of November. He was of the view that amid rising demand, it is necessary to run power plants to their full capacity to achieve the goal of 24-hour electricity supply in a day. 

He noted that average daily power supply in rural areas at present is for 22 and a half hours, while in cities it is 23 and a half hours. He said that states have been asked to run power plants to their full capacity and also import coal for six per cent blending. He said per-day shortage of coal at thermal power plants is around 2.5 lakh tonnes and suggested blending of imported coal is important.