India's Power Demand Reaches a New High in February 2025

India's energy needs are growing rapidly, and February 2025 marked another milestone in this trend. The country's peak power demand hit 238 gigawatts (GW) during daylight hours, surpassing the expected 234 GW. This surge was driven by an unusually warm February, with temperatures in some regions rising 3-4 degrees Celsius above normal.

Rising Power Consumption

Electricity consumption for the month saw a 6% increase compared to last year, reaching 79.3 billion units. This rise highlights the growing energy needs of industries, businesses, and households across India. With summer approaching, energy demand is expected to rise further, testing the country's power infrastructure.

How Is India Meeting the Demand?

To ensure a steady power supply, coal-based power plants have maintained a strong coal stock of 50.8 million tonnes, enough to generate electricity for around 21 days. Additionally, India is planning to expand its power generation capacity by adding 80 GW of new thermal power capacity by 2032. This move is aimed at strengthening the energy sector and ensuring reliable power for the country’s growing needs.

Future Projections

Experts predict that India's peak power demand during daylight hours in March 2025 could reach 240 GW. As the demand for energy continues to increase, India will need to focus on a balanced mix of thermal, renewable, and alternative energy sources to sustain economic growth and meet rising consumption.

The power sector plays a crucial role in India's development, and the government's proactive measures to improve capacity and supply efficiency will be key in handling future energy challenges.