India Faces Increased Coal Dependency as El Niño Impacts Hydropower Generation

As India grapples with a surge in electricity demand due to rising temperatures in June, the nation is witnessing a significant decline in hydropower output, which is pushing it to rely more heavily on coal-fired energy sources. A recent report by S&P Global, released on July 3, highlighted that India’s average hydropower generation decreased by 6.3 gigawatts (GW) compared to the previous year, coinciding with a remarkable 24.3 GW increase in electricity demand during the same period.

This shortfall in hydropower generation has been largely compensated by a robust 20.7 GW rise in coal-based power production. Additionally, the contributions from solar and wind energy have also seen a welcome increase, combining for an uptick of 9.4 GW. Despite these positive signs in renewable energy, the overarching reliance on coal raises concerns about environmental sustainability and energy security in the long run.

The ramifications of this phenomenon extend beyond India’s borders. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Malaysia are also experiencing declines in hydropower generation, as noted in the S&P Global analysis. However, India and Vietnam are particularly notable, accounting for nearly 80% of the regional dip in hydropower, underscoring their vulnerability to climatic variations.

Experts attribute the decline in hydropower generation to the anticipated impacts of El Niño on rainfall patterns and the subsequent inflow levels in reservoirs across Asia. The India Meteorological Department, alongside various international weather agencies, has warned of the potential strengthening of El Niño conditions, which could lead to persistent below-normal levels of hydropower generation throughout the summer months.

The implications of an increasing reliance on coal amidst fluctuating weather patterns highlight the urgent need for India to diversify its energy mix. Policymakers are now challenged to foster a more balanced approach that can accommodate the growing energy needs while also committing to renewable sources. This scenario serves as a wake-up call to enhance the resilience of India’s energy infrastructure against climate-induced fluctuations, ensuring a sustainable energy future for the country.

Source: scroll.in