As an energy sector expert with a focus on South Asia, I can provide a comprehensive overview of India's electricity generation landscape. India, being the world's third-largest electricity producer, has a diverse mix of energy sources that cater to its growing energy demands. Let's delve into the primary sources of electricity in India.

Thermal Power Plants: The backbone of India's electricity generation is thermal power, which is predominantly coal-fired. As you mentioned, approximately 65% of the electricity consumed in India is generated by thermal power plants. This is largely due to the abundant coal reserves in the country, with around 53.7% of India's commercial energy demand being met through coal. India has a vast network of coal-fired power plants spread across the country, which are crucial for meeting the base load requirements of the nation.

Hydroelectric Power Plants: Hydroelectric power is another significant contributor to India's electricity mix, accounting for about 22% of the total electricity generation. India's geographical diversity, with numerous rivers and mountain ranges, provides an ideal setting for hydroelectric projects. The country has been investing in both large-scale hydroelectric projects as well as smaller run-of-the-river projects to harness this renewable resource.

Nuclear Power: Nuclear power plays a smaller but significant role in India's energy mix, contributing around 3% to the electricity generation. India has been steadily increasing its nuclear power capacity, with several nuclear reactors in operation and more under construction. The country is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies to enhance its nuclear power generation capabilities.

Renewable Energy: The remaining 10% of India's electricity comes from alternative sources, predominantly renewable energy. This includes solar, wind, biomass, and other forms of renewable energy. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to increase its renewable capacity to 175 GW by 2022. The government has implemented various policies and incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Solar Energy: Solar power has emerged as a key component of India's renewable energy strategy. The country enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. The government's initiatives, such as the National Solar Mission, have played a crucial role in promoting solar energy and reducing the cost of solar power.

Wind Energy: Wind energy is another significant contributor to India's renewable energy mix. With favorable wind conditions in several states, India has been able to establish itself as one of the leading countries in wind power generation. The government's support through policies and financial incentives has facilitated the growth of the wind energy sector.

Biomass and Other Sources: Biomass energy, which includes energy derived from agricultural waste, forestry residues, and municipal waste, also contributes to India's electricity generation. Other sources like small hydro, waste-to-energy, and geothermal energy are also being explored to diversify the energy mix.

In conclusion, India's electricity generation is primarily driven by thermal power, with a significant contribution from hydroelectric power. The country is also making substantial strides in the development of nuclear and renewable energy sources. As India continues to grow and urbanize, its energy landscape is expected to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

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About 65% of the electricity consumed in India is generated by thermal power plants, 22% by hydroelectric power plants, 3% by nuclear power plants and rest by 10% from other alternate sources like solar, wind, biomass etc. 53.7% of India's commercial energy demand is met through the country's vast coal reserves.read more >>