Month: February 2025

The power ministry anticipates a peak demand of 270 GW this summer, higher than the previous year’s 250 GW. Adequate supply has been prepared and thermal capacity will increase by 15 GW by FY26. Measures include possible mandate extensions for coal and gas power plants.

India is prepared to handle up to 270 GW of peak power demand this summer, with sufficient coal stocks and mandatory full-capacity operations for thermal plants using imported coal. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal assured that additional measures will be invoked if necessary to ensure stability.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution (DDL) and Probus Smart Things have partnered to develop advanced smart metering technology, featuring a universal Network Interface Card (NIC) with Bluetooth communication. This innovation aims to enhance meter data collection and operations in difficult network conditions. Plans are to extend its benefits to other utilities and regions.

India is exploring financial support for debt-laden state-run power distribution utilities to stabilize the sector amid rising demand, according to a Ministry of Power document reviewed by Reuters. A ministerial group will identify financially stressed states, develop a fiscal discipline plan to prevent a debt crisis, and propose measures to attract private investment.

The power ministry urged distribution companies to enhance their financial viability and adopt cost-reflective tariffs to attract investment. Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd ranked top in integrated ratings of distribution utilities for FY24. Slow progress under RDSS and concerns about public sector utilities’ financial health were also highlighted.

India’s power sector will need ₹4.5-6.4 lakh crore of investment until FY35, as per Moody’s Ratings. This investment will largely support renewable energy projects, with solar and wind power dominating capacity additions. Conventional bank lending, non-bank financial institutions, and long-term foreign capital will be essential to meet these funding requirements.

India’s petroleum demand growth slowed to 3.5% this fiscal, down from 5.1% last year, mainly due to reduced diesel consumption and declining bitumen sales. Diesel sales rose 4.2% in January due to increased holiday demand and freight movement. Petrol sales remained strong, growing at 7.9% in April-January. Bitumen consumption declined by 4.9%, indicating slower road construction.

India’s ONGC is seeking joint venture partners to build very large ethane carriers for transporting feedstock to its petrochemical plant. The partnership will involve companies with experience in managing large gas and LNG carriers. The VLECs will be locally and globally funded, with the last date for submitting interest on March 27.

India needs substantial investments in its power sector to meet the 2070 net-zero commitment, requiring 2% of GDP annually over the next decade. Despite a boost in renewable energy capacity, coal-based power will still see a significant expansion to cater to rising power demand.

JSW Energy is awaiting clearances, including CCI approval, before proceeding with its acquisition of KSK Mahanadi Power. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on regulatory compliance highlights the need for CCI clearance prior to Committee of Creditors approval, potentially delaying resolution timelines.