In recent weeks it seems as if India is reeling under a wave of searing heat. This temperature transition has happened suddenly and there is a concern that high temperatures across India have pushed electricity demand to near record levels. This has led to a concern that there will be yet another summer squeeze on power supply.
High Temperatures across India pushes electricity demand to near record levels
The temperatures across some regions in the country have been above 11C above normal and has prompted the India Meteorological Department to advise farmers to check wheat and other crops for signs of heat loss.
In January, the peak demand for electricity touched 211 gigawatts, which was close to an all-time high when compared to last summer. During last summer the heavy industry had roared back from pandemic curbs and the population had to contend with sweltering conditions that saw a 122 year old heat record breached.
The early onset of hotter weather has led to a forecast that power consumption will rise as irrigation pumps and air conditioners will get cranked up. This has fueled concerns that nations energy network will come under new strain after two successive years of disruptions.
To avoid blackouts, Power stations that use imported coal have been ordered to operate at full capacity for three months during the summer season. This will ease the pressure on domestic coal supplies. According to Power Ministry, Electricity demand could set a new high of 229 gigawatts in April.
Rising Temperature in February , a matter of concern
According to Power Minister in Rajasthan, Bhanwar Singh Bhatti the power supplies are being rationed in the state and he had this to state,
“The way temperature is rising – it’s quite unusual in February – the situation is becoming a matter of concern for us,”
“The electricity demand may rise 20% to 30% compared to last summer. There’s no other option than to cut power supply.”
Despite being the hub of Solar energy, Rajasthan can struggle to ensure adequate power supplies during summer months if there are a delay in receiving coal from mines in other regions.
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If coal supplies are ensured, everything falls in place
In India, the Coal accounts for more than 70% of electricity generation. However, the stockpiles at power stations are currently well below a target of 45 million tons that the Government had mandated to maintain by the end of March.
However, the current rising temperatures are not necessarily the signs of an extreme weather which might be experienced in March and May.
As per Mrutyunjay Mohapatra , Director General of Meteorological Department
“It is natural to be excited if you get temperatures like this in the month of February,”
Pratap Keshari Deb, Energy Minister of Odisha, one of the largest producers on Coal in the country had this thing to say,
“India’s ability to meet its summer power needs will also be largely determined by efforts to ensure sufficient coal is being mined and transported,”
He further states,
If coal supplies are ensured, “everything falls in place,”
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