Rising Heat In India Raises Alarm On Another Energy Crunch

The peak demand for energy reached 211 gigawatts in January, coming very close to an all-time high last summer as heavy industry surged back from pandemic restrictions and the people struggled with scorching conditions that saw a 122-year-old heat record shattered.

The country has been hit by summer after winter. In the month of February itself, the temperature is being recorded above normal in many states. In many states of India, people have already started getting troubled by the heat. This change in weather typically occurs in the month of March, but this year’s heat hit people in February. As a result, the demand for electricity is likely to increase.

A growing number of people are worried that the nation’s energy network will be put under additional strain after two years of disruptions. This is as a result of the unusually early onset of hot weather and predictions that power consumption will increase as irrigation pumps and air conditioners are turned up.

Mercury started rising in a few states

In the month of February in the country, there is an increase in the temperature in many states. In many states, the temperature is being recorded at 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. Due to which the heat has already started to be felt. Temperatures have been rising since now, according to reports.

There is a possibility that power supply may suddenly increase in the months of March to June as compared. Due to less than normal production in gas and coal plants, there has been a power crisis in many states.

Electricity demand may increase in March-June

In January 2023, the demand for electricity reached 211 GW. This demand is at a higher level than the summer demand that fell last year. In this case, it was the first time the cold didn’t end and the heat came in. The spring season is also out of sight this time because of the heat.

Meteorological Department alerts

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there is a possibility that crops may get damaged due to the sudden increase in heat in the country. According to IMD, farmers may face losses this time. The department has asked farmers to take the necessary precautions.

The central government is making preparations so that an electricity crisis does not arise in the country like last year. According to the Ministry of Power, electricity demand is likely to reach 229 GW in April. Almost, 70 percent of the electricity is supplied from coal. Coal stock in thermal power plants has come down below 45 million tonnes. As such, the government has asked us to complete the stock by the end of March. So that the looming power crisis in the country can be stopped.

“It is quite unusual in February, the way the temperature is rising. the situation is becoming a matter of concern for us,” according to Bhanwar Singh Bhati, Power Minister in the northern state of Rajasthan, where power supplies are already being rationed to homes and farmers. “The electricity demand may rise 20 percent to 30 percent compared to last summer. There’s no other option than to cut power supply,” he added.

Rajasthan is among the nation’s hottest provinces and a hub of solar energy, yet can struggle to ensure adequate power supplies during the summer months if there are delays in receiving coals from different mines.

More than 70 percent of India’s electricity is produced from coal, but power plant stockpiles are currently considerably below the 45 million tonnes that the government requested to be reached by the end of March.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department, said that present high temperatures aren’t necessarily a warning of harsh weather in March to May.