Although our electricity generation capacity has taken a quantum leap, so has the demand, which has led to a reduction in supply.
Aerial view of Pavagada Solar Park in Thirumani village, Karnataka, October 2021
TeaThe Indian power sector has come a long way since independence, when access to electricity was limited to a few urban areas and rural areas with almost no supply. Since then the country has made great strides in both the installed power generation capacity as well as in transmission and distribution (T&D). From only 1,362 MW in 1947, the total power generation capacity increased to 403,761 MW at the end of June 2022.
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Meanwhile, per capita electricity consumption has increased from just 16.3 kWh in 1947 to 805 kWh in 2021-22. However, due to increase in consumption, the supply of electricity is not matching the demand. Due to this many parts of the country have faced power shortage during peak demand.
Left: A power generation plant in Delhi; (Photo: Getty)
Under the Union Budget 2022-23, the Center announced the issuance of Sovereign Green Bonds to finance green infrastructure, as well as grant infrastructure status to energy storage systems, including grid-scale battery storage systems. In the same budget, Rs 19,500 crore was allocated for the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme to promote manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules. Inflows to the sector have increased with the 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) allowed in the power sector. Schemes like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and Integrated Power Development Scheme are expected to boost electrification across the country.