India ramped up coal and gas-fired power generation as peak electricity demand hit a record 256.1 GW over the weekend amid a heatwave, according to official data. The peak demand on April 25 rose from the previous day’s record of 252.08 GW, reflecting a sharp rise in consumption driven by higher temperatures.
Coal, gas generation scaled up to meet demand
Coal-fired generation was increased to around 187 GW, while about 9.6 GW of gas-fired capacity was operated to manage peak load, as per Grid-India data. NTPC, the country’s largest thermal power producer, is procuring gas through the Indian Gas Exchange and operating plants as advised by grid authorities to ensure supply stability.
India expects peak power demand to reach around 270 GW this year and has deferred maintenance of nearly 10,000 MW of coal-fired capacity to July to maintain adequate supply. Forecasts of a strong El Nino weather pattern are likely to drive hotter and drier conditions, increasing reliance on coal-based generation.
(Reuters inputs) |
