Rajasthan is stepping up preparations at Suratgarh's thermal and supercritical power stations as electricity demand is expected to rise during the coming rabi season. The stations have a combined generating capacity of 2,820 MW.
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited Chairman and Managing Director Devendra Shringi inspected the generating units and directed teams to keep them operating efficiently, with maximum availability. He also called for faster work on a battery energy storage project intended to help meet the state's demand during peak hours.
Rabi demand puts focus on plant availability
The inspection covered both Suratgarh Supercritical and Suratgarh Thermal Power Station. Shringi told officials, engineers and employees to prioritise smooth, uninterrupted generation as they prepare for the seasonal increase in demand.
Coal availability was a key part of the review. He examined current stocks and supply arrangements, and instructed officials to maintain sufficient reserves and regular deliveries so fuel shortages do not disrupt production. He also visited the plants' control rooms.
250 MWh battery project to support peak hours
A battery energy storage system (BESS) is being installed at Suratgarh with a stated capacity of 2 × 125 MWh, or 250 MWh in total. Shringi reviewed its progress and directed officials to accelerate work and complete it ahead of its December 2026 deadline.
The battery project is intended to make more electricity available to Rajasthan during peak hours. Its MWh figure describes stored energy; the power stations' MW figure describes generating capacity.
| Facility or milestone | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Suratgarh thermal and supercritical stations | Combined generating capacity of 2,820 MW |
| Battery energy storage project | 2 × 125 MWh, totalling 250 MWh of stored energy |
| Battery project deadline | December 2026; officials directed to complete it ahead of the deadline |
Maintenance and coordination priorities
In a meeting with plant officials and employees, Shringi reviewed current generation, coal supply, unit maintenance and the upcoming work plan. The operating priorities were:
- Unit availability: Keep generating units running efficiently and minimise interruptions.
- Fuel readiness: Maintain adequate coal stocks backed by regular supply.
- Team coordination: Align maintenance and operating plans with Rajasthan's electricity needs.
Suratgarh Thermal Chief Engineer Rakesh Sharma, Suratgarh Supercritical Plant Head Purushottam Dhariwal and other senior officials attended the review.
For Jaipur readers, the review is part of Rajasthan's broader preparations for seasonal electricity demand, with plant readiness and peak-hour support at the centre of the state's plans.
