The Union Energy Ministry on Thursday gave details of its strategy to deal with power challenges before the Parliamentary Energy Committee. On behalf of the Energy Ministry, Additional Secretary Himanshu Singh told the parliamentary committee that the government is fully prepared to deal with any kind of power crisis. In this sequence, the government told the parliamentary committee that due to the continuously increasing heat in the country, the demand for electricity is creating new records this year.
According to information received from sources, the government has told the committee that while the peak power demand had reached 256 GW in April, it increased to 265 GW on May 20. The government estimates that the demand for electricity could reach 271 GW in June and 283 GW in July.
In such a situation, the government believes that the biggest challenge is to maintain a balance between power production and supply, so that there is no power crisis or large-scale power cuts during the peak season.
balance between production and supply
In view of the increasing demand, the central government has started preparations in advance this time. According to sources, all thermal power plants will be kept operational throughout the peak summer season. Normally, many plants go on maintenance shutdown during this period, but this time it will not happen.
The government believes that by not doing maintenance shutdown, about 15,000 MW of additional electricity will be available, which will play an important role in reducing the gap between demand and supply. Its purpose is to ensure that the states continue to get electricity as per their requirement and the supply from big cities to rural areas is not affected.
Strategy to deal with power crisis in peak season
The Power Ministry has made preparations at many levels in collaboration with states and power companies. The government’s strategy is not limited to just increasing production, but emphasis is also being laid on providing electricity from different sources.
- Maximum use of solar energy production will be made during day time.
- Wind energy production is expected to increase as the wind increases from June, which will reduce pressure on the grid.
- Power generation from hydropower projects will be used strategically, so that additional supply can be provided at the time of need.
- In states where demand is high, arrangements for additional load sharing are being made. The Uttar Pradesh government has asked for additional support and the Center has assured help.
- The government claims that this time the situation of large-scale power shortage like in previous years will not be allowed to arise.
coal stock
Coal is considered the most important fuel for electricity generation and the government has also clarified the situation regarding its availability. According to officials, at present the country’s power plants have coal reserves of about 18 days.
Although 30 days of coal stock is considered the ideal situation, the government believes that the situation is completely under control due to existing reserves and continuous supply. The Coal Ministry and Railways are together ensuring regular supply to the plants so that no plant faces fuel shortage.
Gas supply concerns
The government has also acknowledged that global conditions may impact the energy sector. US-Iran tension and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz have affected gas supply and prices. In such a situation, arrangements are being made to supply gas from alternative sources, especially Nigeria.
Government’s claim
The Power Ministry says that despite record level demand, the country is fully prepared to deal with the power crisis. The government is trying to keep the supply stable this summer by increasing production capacity, maintaining the availability of coal and better use of renewable energy.
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