After experiencing a brief decline, peak power demand in India surged back to nearly 241 GW on Tuesday. This rebound follows a two-day dip from the 245 GW mark recorded on June 1, 2024, as reported by government data. This fluctuation in demand underscores the volatility of power consumption patterns during extreme weather conditions.
On May 31, 2024, India set a new record with peak power demand hitting an unprecedented 250 GW, surpassing the previous high of 243.27 GW noted in September 2023. The following days saw significant fluctuations with the demand recorded at 245.14 GW on June 1, dropping to 225.90 GW on June 2, rising again to 236.37 GW on June 3, and reaching 240.89 GW on June 4.
Government Projections and Summer Outlook
In its May forecast, the power ministry anticipated peak power demands of 235 GW during daytime and 225 GW during evening hours for May. For June, the projections were slightly higher, expecting daytime demand to reach 240 GW and evening demand at 235 GW. Notably, the ministry has also warned that peak power demand could hit the 260 GW mark during the ongoing summer season, driven by extensive use of cooling appliances.
Climatic Influences on Power Consumption
Experts attribute the steady rise in power demand to the continuous use of cooling devices like air conditioners and coolers amidst the sweltering summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted a warmer summer for 2024 with increased occurrences of heatwaves, compounded by El Nino conditions expected to persist until at least May.
The record peak of 243 GW last September was attributed to unseasonal rains beginning in March 2023, which led to high humidity levels, thus driving up the demand for cooling solutions. This pattern is likely to continue, with experts forecasting new highs in power demand for the remainder of the summer season.
Impact of Monsoon and Future Projections
The IMD reported that the Monsoon hit the Kerala coast on May 30 and has since spread across the entire Northeast, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, and Telangana. Despite the onset of the Monsoon, experts predict that power demand will spike again in the coming months. The sultry weather conditions post-Monsoon are expected to lead to a renewed surge in the use of cooling appliances, particularly air conditioners, maintaining high levels of power consumption.
Conclusion
India’s peak power demand reflects the broader impacts of climatic variations and the ongoing heatwave. As the summer progresses, the power sector remains vigilant, anticipating further peaks in demand. This underscores the importance of robust energy infrastructure and effective management to ensure continuous power supply during periods of extreme weather. The ongoing heatwave and projected high temperatures highlight the critical need for efficient energy usage and the implementation of sustainable cooling technologies to manage demand surges.
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