India adds a meager 345 MW in October

India's capacity addition in the month of October 2011 was dismal, as compared to the previous month.

The Central Electricity Authority's latest figures show that the country expanded capacity by 345 MW, as against a target of 2,373 MW. The addition is 85.5% below the target, whereas it had exceeded its target by 36% in September 2011. A majority of this shortfall in capacity addition is attributed to the thermal sector, which fell short of the targeted 2,000 MW by 1,655 MW.

There was no contribution from of the hydro sector. Furthermore, the nuclear and renewable energy sectors did not add to the capacity addition during the month.

There was no capacity addition achieved against a target of 338 MW under the central scheme and the poor performance of state schemes was reflected in zero capacity addition during the month, as opposed to a small target of 250 MW.

Consequently, the private sector has performed better with an achievement of 345 MW, as compared to a target of 1,785 MW.

The Indian government had fixed 78,700 MW as a target for capacity addition in the 11th Plan, which was later modified to 62,374 MW during the mid-term appraisal  by the Planning Commission.