A recent report by the media has highlighted significant delays in as many as 32 power transmission projects across India, posing challenges to the country’s energy infrastructure amidst escalating demand exacerbated by climate change.
According to data sourced from the Union statistics ministry, the report reveals that projects undertaken by the Power Grid Corporation of India, valued at approximately Rs 29,300 crore, are facing an average delay of 32 months. Additionally, eight other projects worth Rs 8,755 crore, which were bid out by Powergrid, are experiencing an average delay of one year. The officialas of the Electric Power Transmission Association, expressed concerns over these delays, emphasizing their potential impact on the country’s ability to meet peak power demand. She noted that prolonged delays could render new generation capacity ineffective, particularly amidst longer heatwaves linked to climate change.
In June alone, India witnessed severe heatwaves that led to over 40 cases of heatstroke and more than 100 fatalities across various regions. This underscores the urgency of timely infrastructure development to cope with increasing energy requirements. The Power Secretary highlighted that peak power demand surged to 250 GW in May and is anticipated to exceed 400 GW by the next decade. He further noted a 9% year-on-year increase in gigawatt terms for the first quarter of this fiscal year, with projections suggesting a compound annual growth rate of 11% for peak power demand. The report also addresses concerns regarding the adequacy of existing infrastructure, with experts cautioning that most transmission and distribution systems are ill-prepared for the escalating frequency of adverse weather events.
The officials from Deloitte India pointed out the sector’s vulnerability, suggesting that without adequate upgrades, the peak power deficit could widen to 35 GW by 2032. As India grapples with these challenges, urgent attention to infrastructure development and streamlined project execution becomes crucial to ensuring reliable and sustainable power supply nationwide. The findings underscore the need for robust planning and execution strategies to mitigate delays and fortify the energy sector against future climate-driven pressures. This report serves as a critical call to action for policymakers and stakeholders in the power sector to prioritize timely project completion and infrastructure resilience, safeguarding India’s energy security in the face of evolving climate dynamics.
