India achieves record power demand of 250 gw

Non-solar demand peaks at 234.3 GW, thermal and renewable sources play critical roles

In a landmark achievement for India’s power sector, the country successfully met a record maximum power demand of 250 GW on May 30, 2024. This milestone reflects the robustness of the nation’s energy infrastructure and the effectiveness of recent policy implementations aimed at increasing power availability. In a closely related development, India’s non-solar power demand also reached an all-time high of 234.3 GW on May 29, driven by a combination of weather-related loads and escalating industrial and residential power consumption.

The regional breakdown of this achievement highlights the significant contributions from various parts of the country. On May 30, the Northern region met a record demand of 86.7 GW, while the Western region achieved its highest demand of 74.8 GW. These figures underscore the critical role regional power grids play in the overall energy landscape of India.

Moreover, all-India thermal power generation peaked at an unprecedented 176 GW (ex-bus) during non-solar hours. This remarkable performance was largely facilitated by the strategic implementation of Section 11, which maximised generation from imported coal-based plants and gas-based plants. This strategy not only enhanced the operational efficiency of thermal power plants but also ensured a stable and reliable power supply, cementing the role of thermal power as the backbone of India’s energy mix.

Renewable energy sources have also played a crucial role in meeting the power demand. Solar energy contributed significantly during daylight hours, while wind energy provided substantial support during non-solar hours. The integration of renewable energy sources with traditional thermal power generation has been pivotal in achieving these record demand levels, showcasing the evolving energy landscape in India.

These achievements are a testament to the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders in the power sector, including government agencies, power generation companies, and grid operators. Their collaborative efforts in enhancing generation capacity, optimising resource allocation, and implementing forward-thinking policies have been instrumental in addressing the country’s growing energy needs. The success reflects a well-orchestrated approach to power management, ensuring that India remains on a path of sustainable and reliable energy development.