Power generation growth likely to double in FY20
<p>Power generation from thermal, hydel and nuclear plants is expected to grow 6.5% this fiscal, nearly double of last year’s rise of 3.5%, the Central Electricity Authority has estimated. Total generation from these sources is estimated to be around 1,330 billion in 2019-20, of which 85% would be from thermal plants. <br><br>Among thermal plants, coal would contribute around 79%, while the rest would come from lignite, natural gas and liquid fuels. <br><br>Nuclear plants would contribute 3.3%, while hydro power would account for 10%. <br><br>Last year, conventional sources were expected to generate 1265 billion units but they supplied 1249.2 billion units. <br> </p><p>Demand growth this year would be between 5% and 6%. Growth would be driven by the domestic sector, propelled by schemes and rural electrification.It will also depend on whether states supply 24x7 power to all. <br><br>Demand for power has been growing at a fast pace this year. Last week, demand rose to a record, well before the usual seasonal peak. Higher supply from renewable sources helped meet demand. <br><br>Highest daily-peak power demand during 2018-19 was attained on September 18 at 177.02 gigawatts, which was breached on May 8 this year, when maximum demand during the day was estimated at 178.25 gigawatts. </p><p>Maximum supply during the day was 177.7 gigawatts, around 12% higher for the same day last year. </p>