India Cuts Gas-Based Power Generation Capacity to 20.13 GW in April

India slashed gas-based power generation capacity by 20% or 5 GW in the past three months to 20.13 gigawatt (GW) as of April.

This comes when the centre has issued instructions to use unutilised gas-based generation capacity. It facilitates uninterrupted power supply during the summer season as power demand is set to reach 277 GW.

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) data stated that overall power generation capacity stood at 472.468 GW in April, while the share of gas-based capacity was at 20.13 GW.

During March, total power generation was at 475.211 GW and the share of gas-based capacity came at 24.53 GW.

The power ministry has decided to use unutilised gas-based electricity generation capacity to ensure uninterrupted power supply and maintain grid security.

Power demand touched an all-time high of 250 GW in May 2024.

The ministry has issued fresh directions, invoking Section 11 of the Electricity Act, “to ensure maximum generation from gas-based power plants” in the country to meet the rise in peak demand, particularly during non-solar hours.

“Based on the monthly demand assessment, GRID-lNDlA will inform the gas-based generating stations about the expected high demand and stress days in advance so that the Gencos can arrange for the natural gas as required,” the order said.

India’s electricity demand is increasing incessantly, buoyed by economic boom and extreme temperatures.