India’s electricity grid is grappling with dual peak demand periods, occurring during solar hours around 3 PM and again between 9 PM and 11 PM, driven by escalating air conditioning loads and industrial growth. Despite significant advancements in solar capacity, the grid remains heavily reliant on coal to meet the crucial evening peak, highlighting an urgent need for strategic energy storage and demand-side management solutions to decarbonise the power sector and enhance grid reliability.
The changing consumption patterns, detailed in a recent brief by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), underscore a critical challenge for India’s energy transition. While daytime electricity demand is increasingly met by abundant solar power, the evening hours, post-sunset, witness a sharp surge that current renewable infrastructure struggles to accommodate without significant support from conventional, often coal-fired, power plants. This reliance on fossil fuels during peak times presents a missed opportunity to lower power sector emissions and achieve cleaner urban air.
Addressing this gap necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of how electricity is generated, stored, and consumed across the nation. Energy storage solutions, such as pumped hydro and advanced battery technologies, are pivotal. By storing surplus solar energy generated during the day, these systems can dispatch clean power during the evening peak, effectively replacing coal-fired generation. This not only mitigates carbon emissions but also reduces price volatility on power exchanges, ensuring a more stable and affordable energy supply for consumers.
Furthermore, the integration of hybrid projects, combining solar and wind generation with co-located storage, offers a resilient pathway to round-the-clock clean energy. Alongside technological solutions, demand-side management (DSM) and digital tools are crucial. DSM initiatives can incentivise consumers to shift part of their evening electricity consumption to daytime hours, flattening the load curve and optimising renewable energy utilisation. Smart grid technologies and digital platforms can facilitate real-time monitoring and control, enabling more efficient energy distribution and consumption.
The strategic importance of these measures extends beyond grid stability and economic efficiency; they are fundamental to India’s commitment to building zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable cities. By reducing dependence on coal, India can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, leading to improved public health outcomes, particularly in urban areas. A cleaner, more reliable power system also supports the equitable development of cities, ensuring consistent energy access for all, fostering gender-neutral economic opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life for its rapidly growing population. This strategic overhaul is essential for India to build a power system that is not only robust but also climate-resilient and future-ready.
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