India is currently facing its most significant power shortfall in 14 years, with projections indicating a substantial deficit for the month of June.
This predicament stems primarily from a decline in hydropower generation, prompting the government to take proactive measures to avert potential outages. According to sources within the government, delays in the commissioning of new coal-fired plants, amounting to 3.6 gigawatts (GW), have compounded the shortfall. These plants, originally slated for operation before March, have faced setbacks, exacerbating the nation’s power deficit.
The Central Electricity Authority, responsible for planning in the power sector, forecasts a peak shortage of 14 GW in June, particularly during nighttime hours when solar capacity is offline. This shortfall, the widest since 2009-10, underscores the pressing need for immediate action to address India’s energy challenges. To mitigate the crisis, Power Minister R K Singh convened an emergency meeting, during which it was decided to postpone planned maintenance of power plants in June and revive 5 GW of idled coal plant capacity. These measures are aimed at maximising generation capacity to meet anticipated demand during the day and non-solar hours in the coming months.
Grid-India, the grid administrator, projects a maximum night-time demand of 235 GW in June, with approximately 187 GW of thermal capacity and 34 GW from renewable sources available to meet this demand. While India has made strides in transitioning towards renewable energy, existing coal-fired power plants remain crucial in bridging the gap between supply and demand, particularly during peak hours. Plans to expand coal power capacity have gained momentum, albeit amid pressure to reduce coal usage and transition to cleaner energy sources. India’s power shortfall underscores the importance of a balanced energy strategy that integrates both traditional and renewable sources to ensure energy security and meet growing demand. The government’s proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to addressing immediate challenges while working towards long-term sustainability goals.
