Solar, wind and thermal energy help meet India's summer power demand
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar, wind and thermal energy help meet India's summer power demand

Solar, wind energy, and thermal power, have played a crucial role in meeting India's unprecedented power demand this summer. On May 30, 2024, renewables contributed 15% of the total power generated, a day when daytime peak power demand soared to a record-breaking 250 GW.

The Ministry of Power (MoP) highlighted the significant support provided by renewable energy sources, particularly solar during sunlight hours and wind during non-solar hours, in fulfilling this demand. Thermal generation accounted for 176 GW of the peak demand, with coal remaining the primary contributor, generating 68% of the total power.

Renewables, including solar and wind, contributed 891 MU and hydroelectricity added 541 MU to the power generated. Notably, South India generated 27.28% of the total renewable energy, while North India contributed 15.12%.

Solar energy production reached 421.19 MU, with Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka leading the contributions. Similarly, wind energy generation totalled 437.38 MU, with Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan leading in this aspect.

In North India, peak demand peaked at 86.78 GW, and in West India, it reached 74.85 GW. On May 29, a day before the peak demand record, renewables generated 1,048 MU out of the 5,814 MU generated from all sources. The Ministry of Power attributed the increased demand to weather-related loads and growing industrial and residential consumption.

Meeting the peak demand of 250 GW was hailed as a significant achievement, with the strategic implementation of Section 11 of the Electricity Act enabling the optimal operation of coal- and gas-based plants under government direction. The ministry emphasised the coordinated efforts of stakeholders in the power sector, ensuring enhanced generation capacity, efficient resource allocation, and policy implementation.

Despite the surge in renewables, thermal power plants showcased their capacity and operational efficiency, highlighting their importance in India's energy landscape. In anticipation of higher energy demand, the government had implemented various measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the summer months. (Source: Mercom)

Solar, wind energy, and thermal power, have played a crucial role in meeting India's unprecedented power demand this summer. On May 30, 2024, renewables contributed 15% of the total power generated, a day when daytime peak power demand soared to a record-breaking 250 GW. The Ministry of Power (MoP) highlighted the significant support provided by renewable energy sources, particularly solar during sunlight hours and wind during non-solar hours, in fulfilling this demand. Thermal generation accounted for 176 GW of the peak demand, with coal remaining the primary contributor, generating 68% of the total power. Renewables, including solar and wind, contributed 891 MU and hydroelectricity added 541 MU to the power generated. Notably, South India generated 27.28% of the total renewable energy, while North India contributed 15.12%. Solar energy production reached 421.19 MU, with Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka leading the contributions. Similarly, wind energy generation totalled 437.38 MU, with Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan leading in this aspect. In North India, peak demand peaked at 86.78 GW, and in West India, it reached 74.85 GW. On May 29, a day before the peak demand record, renewables generated 1,048 MU out of the 5,814 MU generated from all sources. The Ministry of Power attributed the increased demand to weather-related loads and growing industrial and residential consumption. Meeting the peak demand of 250 GW was hailed as a significant achievement, with the strategic implementation of Section 11 of the Electricity Act enabling the optimal operation of coal- and gas-based plants under government direction. The ministry emphasised the coordinated efforts of stakeholders in the power sector, ensuring enhanced generation capacity, efficient resource allocation, and policy implementation. Despite the surge in renewables, thermal power plants showcased their capacity and operational efficiency, highlighting their importance in India's energy landscape. In anticipation of higher energy demand, the government had implemented various measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the summer months. (Source: Mercom)

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?