India, the world’s third-largest consumer of energy, is witnessing a remarkable surge in power generation, with a notable 8.18% increase recorded from April to October 2023 compared to the corresponding period the previous year. The spike in electricity demand, soaring temperatures, delayed monsoons in the Northern region, and the resumption of full commercial activities post-Covid have collectively contributed to this noteworthy upswing.
A standout feature of this surge has been the 11.16% increase in coal-based power generation during Apr-Oct’23 compared to the same period last year. The domestic coal-based power generation up to October 2023 reached an impressive 686.7 Billion Units (BU), marking an 8.88% increase from the 630.7 Billion Units (BU) generated in the corresponding period last year. This surge underscores the resilience of the power sector in meeting the escalating energy needs of the nation.
The unprecedented rise in temperatures and delayed monsoons in the Northern region necessitated increased power consumption for cooling purposes. Simultaneously, the return to full commercial activities post-Covid contributed to a surge in industrial power demand, propelling the overall growth in power generation.
Despite the escalating power demand, there has been a substantial 46.57% decrease in coal imports for blending, dropping from 25.4 million tonnes (MT) in the corresponding period of the previous year to 13.57 MT up to October 2023. This significant reduction highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance in coal production and a strategic move towards minimizing overall coal imports, thereby safeguarding foreign reserves.
The Indian government is actively pursuing efforts to enhance coal production further. The aim is to increase availability and reduce dependence on imported coal, aligning with the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in the energy sector. This strategic move not only ensures a stable power supply but also contributes to the nation’s economic resilience.
