India's Power Demand Hits Record
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India's Power Demand Hits Record

India's power demand recently soared to a historic 250 GW, marking an all-time high. This surge, driven by soaring temperatures and increased industrial activities, highlights the nation's growing energy needs and the challenges faced by its power sector.

The record-breaking demand is attributed to several factors. Intense heatwaves in Northern India have led to extensive use of air conditioning, significantly boosting electricity consumption. Additionally, the lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns has revitalised industrial and commercial activities, further amplifying power requirements.

Despite this achievement, India?s power infrastructure faces significant strain. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) previously projected peak demand to be around 226 GW for the current fiscal year, yet the actual demand has far exceeded these estimates. This discrepancy indicates a need for more accurate forecasting and better infrastructure planning.

To meet this surging demand, India is increasingly turning to renewable energy sources. Solar power, in particular, is playing a crucial role, with its generation peaking during daytime hours when demand is highest. However, there is still a heavy reliance on coal, which poses environmental challenges and risks of overcapacity if demand projections are not precise.

The record peak highlights the importance of modernising the power grid. Integrating more renewable energy, enhancing grid flexibility with battery storage, and improving demand-side management are essential steps. Implementing time-of-day pricing can also help balance the load by incentivising consumers to shift their usage to off-peak hours.

Looking ahead, India must focus on sustainable and flexible energy solutions to cater to its growing power needs. By leveraging renewable energy and modernising its power infrastructure, the nation can ensure a reliable supply while mitigating environmental impacts.

India's power demand recently soared to a historic 250 GW, marking an all-time high. This surge, driven by soaring temperatures and increased industrial activities, highlights the nation's growing energy needs and the challenges faced by its power sector. The record-breaking demand is attributed to several factors. Intense heatwaves in Northern India have led to extensive use of air conditioning, significantly boosting electricity consumption. Additionally, the lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns has revitalised industrial and commercial activities, further amplifying power requirements. Despite this achievement, India?s power infrastructure faces significant strain. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) previously projected peak demand to be around 226 GW for the current fiscal year, yet the actual demand has far exceeded these estimates. This discrepancy indicates a need for more accurate forecasting and better infrastructure planning. To meet this surging demand, India is increasingly turning to renewable energy sources. Solar power, in particular, is playing a crucial role, with its generation peaking during daytime hours when demand is highest. However, there is still a heavy reliance on coal, which poses environmental challenges and risks of overcapacity if demand projections are not precise. The record peak highlights the importance of modernising the power grid. Integrating more renewable energy, enhancing grid flexibility with battery storage, and improving demand-side management are essential steps. Implementing time-of-day pricing can also help balance the load by incentivising consumers to shift their usage to off-peak hours. Looking ahead, India must focus on sustainable and flexible energy solutions to cater to its growing power needs. By leveraging renewable energy and modernising its power infrastructure, the nation can ensure a reliable supply while mitigating environmental impacts.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Uttarakhand Approves Rs 3.5 Bn Development Push

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand has approved Rs 3.5 billion under the MLA Fund Scheme for 2025-26, covering development projects in all seventy constituencies with a focus on sustainability and equitable growth. Each Member of the Legislative Assembly will receive Rs 50 million to lead key infrastructure initiatives.Funds are allocated proportionally: seventy-eight per cent for General constituencies, nineteen per cent for Scheduled Caste constituencies, and three per cent for Scheduled Tribe constituencies.Notable projects include Rs 37.1 million for a motor road connecting Dehalchori to th..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Pune to Launch Tree Ambulance to Preserve Urban Greenery

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will launch a ‘Tree Ambulance’ on World Environment Day, 5 June, as part of its “Save Trees” campaign to protect Pune’s urban ecology amid rapid development.The ambulance will provide year-round medical care for old and damaged trees, many centuries old, threatened by pollution, construction, and neglect. Equipped with tools to treat infected branches, remove nails and posters, prune dead limbs, and spray pesticides, the unit will include a 30-metre ladder, gas welding machine, hammer, and treatment pumps. A team of five trained technicians will m..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Title: Hindustan Aeronautics Reports Eight Per Cent Drop in Q4 Profit

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reported an eight per cent decline in its fourth-quarter profit, affected by delays in supplying its Tejas light combat aircraft. The fighter jet manufacturer’s consolidated profit fell to Rs 39.77 billion in the quarter ending 31 March, down from Rs 43.09 billion a year earlier.HAL’s quarterly revenue dropped 7.2 per cent to Rs 137 billion, slightly above Elara Securities’ estimated 8 per cent decline. Despite delays, ordering activity in the defence sector remained steady throughout the quarter.Following recent border tensions between India and Pakis..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?