In order to meet the high electricity demand in the country with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) projecting a hot summer, with above-normal temperatures and an above-normal number of heatwave days from March to May, the Government of India has decided to operationalize gas-based power plants. The Ministry of Power on Saturday said that the government has directed all gas-based power generating stations to operationalise their plants from May 1 to June 30 in view of rise in electricity demand. A significant portion of the Gas-Based Generating Stations (GBSs) is currently unutilized, primarily due to commercial considerations.
“To ensure maximum power generation from Gas-Based Generating Stations, the Government has issued directions to all Gas-Based Generating Stations under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (under which the appropriate government may specify that a generating company shall, in extraordinary circumstances operate and maintain any generating station in accordance with the directions of that Government),” the power ministry said.
The order under Section 11, it added, is on similar lines as done for imported-coal-based power plants, and aims to optimise the availability of power from Gas-Based Generating Stations during the ensuing high demand period.
According to experts, demand for power this year will be significantly higher in 2024-25 and is expected to grow by 6-7 per cent from 243 gigawatt (GW) in FY24.
GRID-INDIA to inform Gas-based Generating Stations of power requirement
As per the arrangement, GRID-INDIA will inform the Gas-based Generating Stations in advance, of the number of days for which Gas-based power is required. Gas-Based Generating Stations holding Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Distribution Licensees shall first offer their power to PPA holders. If the power offered is not utilised by any PPA holder, then it shall be offered in the power market. Gas-Based Generating Stations not tied to PPAs must offer their generation in the power market.
Other measures taken by the government to meet the summer demand, apart from the decision on gas-based generating stations, include planned Maintenance of power plants to be shifted to monsoon Season; new capacity additions to be fast-tracked; partial outages of thermal power plants being brought down; surplus power with captive generating stations to be utilized; surplus power to be offered for sale in energy exchange; Section 11 directions for imported-coal-based power plants to make full capacity available for generation; shifting of hydro power generation to peak hours; and advance planning by all stakeholders to ensure coal availability.
India’s electricity demand has been rising rapidly, driven by economic growth, particularly during hot-weather and high-demand periods.