India’s scorching summer of 2024 saw temperatures skyrocket and electricity demand surge to unprecedented highs. To combat this challenge, the country’s power sector rose to the occasion, with electricity generation in May registering a robust 15.06% increase compared to the same month last year. This significant jump, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) monthly report, helped meet the record-breaking demand fueled by the heatwave.
The report details that total power generation in May stood at a staggering 167.55 billion units, a considerable increase from the 145.61 billion units generated in May 2023. This increment can be attributed largely to a rise in thermal power generation, which comes primarily from coal-based and gas-based power plants. These plants contributed a significant 127.87 billion units, reflecting a 14.67% increase year-on-year.
The unprecedented demand for electricity peaked at a record high of 250GW on May 30th. This surge was a direct consequence of the extended heatwave that gripped North India, pushing the need for air conditioning and cooling systems to an all-time high. The demand remained elevated throughout May and most of June.
Experts predict that peak power demand is likely to keep climbing, with estimates suggesting it could reach 260GW in the current fiscal year (2024-25). However, there’s a sigh of relief as the monsoon arrives earlier than usual, blanketing the country and bringing down temperatures in the northern states. This, in turn, is expected to bring down the peak demand, which is currently around 200GW. Additionally, the monsoon rains are likely to replenish hydropower reservoirs, leading to a potential rise in hydropower generation in the coming months.
Key Takeaways
- India’s power sector effectively addressed the surge in electricity demand due to the summer heatwave.
- A 15.06% increase in power generation in May 2024 compared to May 2023 bridged the demand gap.
- Thermal power plants played a pivotal role, with a 14.67% rise in generation.
- Peak power demand reached a record high of 250GW on May 30th.
- Expected peak demand for 2024-25 is around 260GW.
- The arrival of the monsoon is expected to bring down demand and boost hydropower generation.
While India successfully navigated the recent heatwave on the electricity generation front, the episode underscores the crucial need for long-term energy planning to ensure a sustainable and secure power supply for the future. This can be achieved by diversifying the electricity generation mix by focusing on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, alongside implementing energy efficiency measures to reduce overall demand.
