India Turns to Costly Gas-Fired Power to Meet Surging Peak Demand

India is facing a significant challenge in meeting its peak electricity demand, particularly during the summer months when temperatures soar and energy consumption increases. To address this issue, the government is considering the use of gas-fired power plants, which are more expensive than traditional coal-based power plants. The move is aimed at ensuring a stable power supply and reducing the risk of blackouts. However, the high cost of gas-fired power is a major concern, as it could lead to increased electricity tariffs for consumers. Despite this, the government believes that the use of gas-fired power plants is necessary to meet the country’s growing energy needs. The demand for electricity in India is expected to continue to rise, driven by rapid urbanization and industrialization. The country’s power sector is dominated by coal-based power plants, which account for over 60% of the total installed capacity. However, the use of coal is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Gas-fired power plants, on the other hand, are considered a cleaner source of energy and can help reduce the country’s dependence on coal. The government has set a target of generating 40% of the country’s power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, and the use of gas-fired power plants is seen as a key step towards achieving this goal. Several gas-fired power plants are currently under construction, and the government is expected to announce new projects in the coming months. The use of gas-fired power plants is also expected to create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. However, the high cost of gas is a major challenge, and the government will need to find ways to reduce the cost of production and make gas-fired power more competitive. One possible solution is to increase the use of domestic gas production, which is currently limited due to infrastructure constraints. The government is also exploring the possibility of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from other countries to meet the demand for gas. Despite the challenges, the use of gas-fired power plants is seen as a necessary step towards ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply in India. The country’s energy needs are expected to continue to rise, and the use of gas-fired power plants will play a critical role in meeting this demand. The government is committed to reducing the country’s dependence on coal and promoting the use of cleaner sources of energy. The use of gas-fired power plants is also expected to reduce the country’s carbon emissions and help mitigate the impact of climate change. In addition to gas-fired power plants, the government is also promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The country has set ambitious targets for the development of renewable energy, and several large-scale projects are currently under construction. The use of gas-fired power plants and renewable energy sources is expected to transform the country’s power sector and reduce its dependence on coal. The government is working closely with private sector companies to develop new power projects and promote the use of cleaner sources of energy. The use of gas-fired power plants is a key part of this strategy, and the government is expected to announce new initiatives in the coming months to promote the development of gas-fired power projects.

Source