Power Demand and Supply in India
With early heatwaves impacting parts of India, the India Meteorological Department predicts possibly even more intense heat this summer. This has implications for power demand, which is expected to reach new highs.
- The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) warns of a 15-20 Gw demand-supply gap, particularly during "non-solar" hours in May and June.
- The Grid Controller of India estimates a one-in-three chance of a shortfall in May.
Proactive Planning and Measures
The government has been proactive in addressing potential power supply issues:
- An inter-ministerial group, including the Ministries of Railways, Coal, and Power, coordinates plans to ensure thermal power plants, supplying 72% of energy, have adequate coal.
- 90% of thermal power plants work with railways to increase coal stocks, which have risen by 20% to 53.49 million tonnes.
Enhancements in Freight and Transport
To further mitigate potential shortages:
- The ₹51,000 crore Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) has been improved.
- Efforts are underway to enhance coastal shipping and inland waterways, though these remain costly.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite these measures, challenges remain:
- Thermal power capacity is stagnant, with solar power accounting for only 16% of generation, primarily during daylight.
- The Central Electricity Authority advises colocating energy-storage systems with solar projects for stability.
- Current storage systems are insufficient, with just under 5 Gw available against 200 Gw of installed renewable capacity.
