Published on: May 5, 2026
INDIA’S POWER STRATEGY
INDIA’S POWER STRATEGY
NEWS: India is expecting higher electricity demand due to peak summer and possible El Niño conditions.
Rising Power Demand in India
- India recorded a peak power demand of 256.1 GW (April 2025).
- Demand is expected to increase further due to: Rising temperatures in summer, Heatwaves linked with El Niño
- This creates pressure on the energy supply system.
Role of El Niño
- El Niño leads to: Weaker monsoon rainfall, Longer dry spells, Higher temperatures and heatwaves
- This increases: Electricity demand (cooling needs), Stress on power generation systems
Contribution of Power Sources
Coal-Based Thermal Power
- Continues to be the dominant source, contributing about 66.9% of electricity generation.
- India has ample coal stocks (~200 million tonnes).
- Coal ensures reliable base-load power supply during peak demand.
Solar Power Growth
- Solar energy is rapidly expanding and now contributes about 21.5% of power generation during peak periods.
- India added a record 44.61 GW of solar capacity in 2025-26.
- Solar share in installed capacity is about 30%.
Wind Energy Contribution
- Wind contributes a smaller share compared to solar but remains an important renewable source.
Challenges in Renewable Energy
Intermittency of Solar Power
- Solar energy is available only during the daytime.
- It cannot fully meet night-time demand.
Limited Battery Storage
- Lack of sufficient battery storage systems limits utilisation of solar energy.
- Solar power is sometimes curtailed to maintain grid stability.
Grid Management Issues
- Requires strong transmission networks and flexible grid operations.
Solutions and Way Forward
- Improve battery storage capacity to store excess solar energy.
- Strengthen grid infrastructure and transmission networks.
- Use non-fossil sources to meet evening demand.
- Continue balanced use of coal + renewables for energy security
