New Delhi: Even though in the month of March the weather has suddenly changed its course and given relief from the heat. But still, the attitude of power crisis in summer can be seen in different states of the country. It is expected to show more attitude in the coming times. With the increase in heat, the demand for electricity is also expected to increase. In this regard, adequate capacity for power generation and foolproof preparations for its management are also being made. The National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC) has also predicted that there may be a severe power shortage in the coming month of April.
This year, an increase of 8 percent in the estimated peak demand for electricity is expected to be recorded. This year, preparations are being made to work on the Summer Action Plan due to the expected record increase in the estimated peak demand of electricity in the country at 230 GW (Giga Watt). India’s power grid has started preparing to deal with the crisis in the summer. Grid system operators are preparing to work on 18 ‘alert days’ in April. Talking about the highest demand of last year, was recorded at 211.6 GW in July. But this year the peak demand has been estimated to be 230 GW (Giga Watt).
Big preparations from now on to deal with the crisis
According to the report published in the Indian Express, in the meantime, big preparations are being made to deal with the heat and to save from any crisis. Citing the Electricity Act, orders have been given to postponing the maintenance program of the traditional thermal power plant for the next three months. All these plants have been ordered to produce electricity at full capacity from March 16 to June 30. Strict orders have been issued to these power plants producing electricity from imported coal. Section 11 of the Electricity Act provides that in exceptional circumstances, the government may direct a generating company to operate and maintain any station.
Developers will be able to sell power in the market if states do not buy power
Meanwhile, state distribution companies have power purchase agreements (PPAs) with these plants. Under this agreement, they have also got the first right of refusal for the electricity generated. If these states choose not to buy the generated power, then the developers can sell this power in the market.
NTPC also issued orders for its plants
In addition, orders have been issued to state-owned NTPC Limited to commission around 5,000 MW of gas-based generation (1,000 MW is equal to 1GW), and the power generated from these stations is to be sold to PPA holders. And the rest of the generated electricity can be sold in the market.
Officials indicated that 18 days are considered very special to deal with the power crisis. NVVN, the power business arm of NTPC, has been asked to contract and pool-in gas power suppliers. It is believed that the reservoir levels in the northern region are better than in the south. Hydropower generation in the South is likely to be below expected levels. For this, instructions have been given to give emphasis on the production of electricity in the evening in the southern region in the month of April.
The advisory has also advised ensuring a 6 percent blending of imported coal in conventional thermal plants to meet any possible shortfall in domestic supply.
Shortage of lithium storage in the country
Meanwhile, there is a shortage of lithium storage in the country. The government has also proposed a feasibility grant for 4000 MW of lithium-ion battery storage in this year’s budget. It is believed that there is currently no viable alternative to lithium for large-scale storage. Off-stream pumped storage is the only viable option for energy storage, but site selection for these projects is time-consuming.
It is said that after the Kovid epidemic, the open economy has also given rise to many big challenges. However, every year in the summer there is a problem with electricity. But now many more cases have increased rapidly due to which more problems have increased in this direction. The current power generation capacity of the country is 410GW.
Coal-based 200 MW plant 25 years old
Meanwhile, if seen, most of the coal-fired thermal power plants producing electricity up to 200 MW are more than 25 years old and are being operated on old technology only. They cannot be trusted much. At the same time, China, which has been a cheerleader of renewable energy for a decade, has also approved the largest number of new coal-fired plants since 2015. Despite this, it may not be acceptable to the international community in view of the impending climate crisis. India is also making constant efforts to promote renewable energy.
Meanwhile, two long-term decisions were also taken to meet the demand for electricity and to deal with its shortage. But now the Ministry of Energy is working on new thermal capacity projects. This will have a big impact on both the demand and supply of electricity. Special emphasis is also being laid on renewable energy, due to which now major changes are also being made in two decisions.
