Why in the News
India is preparing to meet rising summer power demand and possible El Niño conditions by relying on a mix of augmented solar capacity and coal based thermal power.
Key Highlights
- Peak power demand reached around 256 GW (April 2026)
- Thermal power share: about 66.9 percent
- Solar contribution increased to about 21.5 percent
- Record addition of 44.61 GW solar capacity in 2025–26
Role of Solar Energy
- Rapid increase in installed capacity
- Solar share in generation rising steadily:
- Around 5.6 percent (2022)
- Around 9 percent (2025)
- Limitations:
- Intermittent nature
- Lack of sufficient battery storage
- Grid stability concerns
Role of Coal Based Thermal Power
- Continues to be dominant source of electricity
- Ensures base load supply during peak demand
- Current coal stock: ~200 million tonnes
- Sufficient for about 80 plus days
What is El Niño?
- A climate phenomenon involving warming of Pacific Ocean waters
- Leads to:
- Weaker monsoon in India
- Longer dry spells and heatwaves
| [2023] Consider the following statements: Statement-IIndia, despite having Uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II:Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements [A] Both Statement-I and Statement – II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement- I [B] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. [C] Statement- I is Correct but Statement-II is incorrect. [D] Statement-I incorrect but Statement-II is correct. |
