Full list of thermal units analyzed by CSE, CEA CO2 database, version 19, 2022-23

June 26, 2025

CEA annually refreshes its CO₂ baseline database, containing comprehensive data on all power plants in India. This dataset encompasses details such as plant capacity, power generation, fuel type, fuel consumption, and total CO₂ emissions for each facility. CO₂ emissions are primarily attributed to coal/lignite, naphtha, and gas-operated plants. Given the comparatively lower electricity output from gas and naphtha facilities, CSE's report focuses solely on coal/lignite power plants.

In the CEA baseline database for the year 2022–23, a total of 195 coal and lignite based thermal power plants are listed, each with a varying number of units commissioned on different dates. As the date of commission is provided unit wise and for the purpose of accuracy and effectiveness, the overall analysis in this report largely focuses on individual units. Across these plants, data for 603 units has been provided, 41 of which have a net electricity generation of zero leaving 562 units for analysis. Out of the 554 units analysed, 418 units exhibit a plant load factor (PLF) greater than or equal to 50 per cent, while the PLF of the remaining 136 units falls below 50 per cent. Units operating below this threshold are highlighted separately in the database.

Technology wise distribution of units follows that units with capacity below the installed capacity of 660 MW are considered as subcritical, those in the range of 660–800 MW are considered to be supercritical and equal or above 800 MW are considered as ultra-supercritical. Units under Supercritical and Ultra Supercritical technology are presented together as our report provides a common benchmark for efficiency improvement of these units. Units that operate using imported coal are highlighted separately. All units are arranged in ascending order on basis of the emission factor.

For the complete methodology and contextual understanding of the database refer to our full report, "Decarbonizing the Coal-based thermal power sector in India: A Roadmap".