NEWS: India is expecting higher electricity demand due to peak summer and possible El Niño conditions.

Rising Power Demand in India

• India recorded a peak power demand of 256.1 GW (April 2025).
• Demand is expected to increase further due to: Rising temperatures in summer, Heatwaves linked with El Niño
• This creates pressure on the energy supply system.

Role of El Niño

• El Niño leads to: Weaker monsoon rainfall, Longer dry spells, Higher temperatures and heatwaves
• This increases: Electricity demand (cooling needs), Stress on power generation systems

Contribution of Power Sources

Coal-Based Thermal Power

• Continues to be the dominant source, contributing about 66.9% of electricity generation.
• India has ample coal stocks (~200 million tonnes).
• Coal ensures reliable base-load power supply during peak demand.

Solar Power Growth

• Solar energy is rapidly expanding and now contributes about 21.5% of power generation during peak periods.
• India added a record 44.61 GW of solar capacity in 2025-26.
• Solar share in installed capacity is about 30%.

Wind Energy Contribution

• Wind contributes a smaller share compared to solar but remains an important renewable source.

Challenges in Renewable Energy

Intermittency of Solar Power

• Solar energy is available only during the daytime.
• It cannot fully meet night-time demand.

Limited Battery Storage

• Lack of sufficient battery storage systems limits utilisation of solar energy.
• Solar power is sometimes curtailed to maintain grid stability.

Grid Management Issues

• Requires strong transmission networks and flexible grid operations.

Solutions and Way Forward

• Improve battery storage capacity to store excess solar energy.
• Strengthen grid infrastructure and transmission networks.
• Use non-fossil sources to meet evening demand.
• Continue balanced use of coal + renewables for energy security