INDIA’S HYDROPOWER CAPACITY

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• The Ministry of Power has undertaken measures to optimize hydropower generation, resulting in an additional capacity of 4GW.

ARTICLES ON INDIA’S HYDROPWER SECTOR:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/hydroelectric-power-in-india#:~:text=India's%20hydroelectric%20power%20potential%20is,in%20globalS%20hydroelectric%20power%20development  

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/hydropower

Concerns Over Power Supply Shortfall

• Rising Peak Power Demand: With peak power demand expected to reach 240 GW in June, concerns over potential supply shortfalls have escalated, particularly amidst a surge in demand during the poll season and hotter-than-usual summer.

Challenges Faced by Renewable Energy Sector

• Variability in Renewable Energy Generation: Despite adding a record renewable capacity of over 18 GW in FY24, the variability in renewable energy generation poses challenges, especially during evening hours with low sunlight and high demand.
• Reliance on Base Load Capacity: The reliance on coal and gas-based thermal plants to meet peak demand is heightened due to the absence of adequate energy storage infrastructure, exacerbating the strain on base load capacity.

Potential Impact on Power Supply Deficit

• Widening Peak Demand Deficit: Despite a reduction in peak demand deficit in recent years, the lack of energy storage infrastructure coupled with rising temperatures could widen the gap, particularly during the summer months.
• Projected Peak Shortfall: India is anticipated to face a peak shortfall of 14 GW in June, marking its largest deficit in 14 years, attributed to delays in commissioning new coal-based plants. 

Performance of Hydro Generation

• Missed Targets: Hydro generation has fallen short of the cumulative target by 14% in the ongoing FY25, highlighting a shortfall of 1,770 MU (million units) till May 9.
• Decline in State Sector Hydro Capacity: State sector hydro capacity, which contributes 58% of the total hydro capacity, witnessed a significant decline in power generation last month compared to April 2023, particularly in states like Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

ARTICLES ON INDIA’S HYDROPWER SECTOR:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/hydroelectric-power-in-india#:~:text=India's%20hydroelectric%20power%20potential%20is,in%20global%20hydroelectric%20power%20development.

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/hydropower

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with India's hydropower capacity in meeting its growing energy demands. How can the country leverage its hydroelectric potential to address energy security concerns while mitigating environmental and social impacts?

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS