The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): India is anticipating its most significant power shortfall in 14 years this June, following a steep decline in hydropower generation. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projected a peak shortage of 14 GW during nighttime hours when solar capacity is unavailable, according to a government statement provided to Reuters.
The anticipated shortfall, the largest since 2009-10, is exacerbated by delays in commissioning 3.6 GW of new coal-fired plants that were expected to be operational by March. Additionally, India’s hydroelectric output saw its steepest decline in four decades for the year ending March 31, with renewable energy generation remaining flat.
To mitigate the impending deficit, Power Minister R K Singh convened an emergency meeting last week. The government decided to defer planned maintenance shutdowns of power plants in June and revive 5 GW of idled coal plant capacity.
“All efforts have been made to maximize generation, and with the measures in place, it is expected that the power demand would be adequately met during the day and the non-solar hours in the coming months including June 2024,” stated the CEA.
Grid-India, the grid administrator, projects a maximum nighttime demand of 235 GW in June. Available supply includes nearly 187 GW of thermal capacity and about 34 GW from renewable sources.
For the first time last month, the power ministry invoked emergency rights to direct gas-based and imported coal-based power plants to operate at full capacity to address the shortfall.
While India has defended its use of coal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has slowed coal capacity growth to focus on a green energy transition, aiming for 2070 net-zero emissions. However, the pressure to maintain reliable power supply has necessitated reviving coal power projects, which will take at least four years to start generating.
Existing coal-fired power plants, along with solar plants, are expected to meet the daytime electricity demand, one government source noted. The measures reflect India’s urgent need to balance immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability goals.
