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

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)