India Faces Record Power Demand as Heatwave Sweeps Across the Country

India is currently grappling with an unprecedented surge in power demand, hitting record levels for the fourth consecutive day as a severe heatwave sweeps through multiple regions. According to the Ministry of Power, the peak electricity consumption reached an astonishing 270.8 gigawatts at 3:45 PM on Thursday, a clear indication of the intense heat prompting widespread use of cooling devices.

The ministry attributed this spike in demand to the extreme weather conditions affecting the country, which have driven citizens to rely heavily on air conditioning and other cooling appliances. During this week alone, demands have escalated from 257.3 gigawatts on Monday to 260.4 gigawatts on Tuesday, followed by 265.4 gigawatts on Wednesday. This consistent rise aligns with government forecasts predicting that peak power demand could touch 271 gigawatts this summer.

Interestingly, Thursday’s electricity needs were met through a mix of energy sources, with thermal power leading the way at 62.8%. Solar energy contributed about 22%, while hydro and wind energy accounted for 5.8% and 5.0%, respectively. The ministry has assured that coal supplies at thermal power stations are stable and that monitoring of these resources is ongoing, ensuring that the energy needs of the country are met without significant disruptions.

Adding to the urgency of the situation, the capital city of Delhi recorded its highest nighttime temperature for May in nearly 14 years, reaching 31.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This extreme heat prompted the weather department to issue an orange alert for heatwave conditions in the National Capital Region. As temperatures continue to soar, the impact on daily life has been palpable, with many residents forced to adapt to the sweltering heat.

The rising demand for electricity during these summer months underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and enhancing the resilience of the power grid. As India continues to navigate these challenges posed by climate change and seasonal variances, the spotlight is now on both government agencies and private sectors to explore sustainable solutions that will mitigate the effects of such extreme weather in the future.

Source: scroll.in