India's Peak Power Demand to Surge

16 May 2024 CW Team

The anticipated peak demand is significantly higher than previous records, reflecting the growing consumption patterns driven by urbanisation, industrial activities, and increased usage of air conditioning. The Ministry's projections are based on data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which monitors and regulates electricity supply across the country.

The Power Ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure the stability of the power grid during this period of heightened demand. Strategies include augmenting power generation capacity, ensuring adequate coal and gas supplies for thermal plants, and enhancing the transmission infrastructure to handle the increased load. Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are also expected to play a crucial role in meeting the demand surge.

Despite these preparations, challenges remain. The monsoon's arrival in June could impact the availability of hydropower, a significant contributor to India's energy mix. Additionally, any unforeseen technical issues or supply chain disruptions could strain the grid's resilience.

To mitigate potential shortages and ensure uninterrupted power supply, the Ministry has urged state utilities and power distribution companies to optimise their operations and prioritise maintenance activities. Public awareness campaigns are also being rolled out to encourage energy conservation, particularly during peak hours.

This projected spike in demand highlights the critical need for India to continue investing in its energy infrastructure and adopting innovative technologies. The country's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity is essential not only to meet future demands but also to achieve its sustainability goals.

As India navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining a reliable and resilient power supply system to support the nation's economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

India is bracing for a substantial increase in peak power demand this May, with the Power Ministry forecasting a daytime peak of 235 GW and an evening peak of 225 GW. This surge underscores the country's escalating energy needs amid rising temperatures and economic activities. The anticipated peak demand is significantly higher than previous records, reflecting the growing consumption patterns driven by urbanisation, industrial activities, and increased usage of air conditioning. The Ministry's projections are based on data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which monitors and regulates electricity supply across the country. The Power Ministry is taking proactive measures to ensure the stability of the power grid during this period of heightened demand. Strategies include augmenting power generation capacity, ensuring adequate coal and gas supplies for thermal plants, and enhancing the transmission infrastructure to handle the increased load. Renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, are also expected to play a crucial role in meeting the demand surge. Despite these preparations, challenges remain. The monsoon's arrival in June could impact the availability of hydropower, a significant contributor to India's energy mix. Additionally, any unforeseen technical issues or supply chain disruptions could strain the grid's resilience. To mitigate potential shortages and ensure uninterrupted power supply, the Ministry has urged state utilities and power distribution companies to optimise their operations and prioritise maintenance activities. Public awareness campaigns are also being rolled out to encourage energy conservation, particularly during peak hours. This projected spike in demand highlights the critical need for India to continue investing in its energy infrastructure and adopting innovative technologies. The country's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity is essential not only to meet future demands but also to achieve its sustainability goals. As India navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining a reliable and resilient power supply system to support the nation's economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Infrastructure Urban

27 Oct 2025

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Infrastructure Energy

27 Oct 2025

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Infrastructure Urban

27 Oct 2025

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..