Recordmaking heatwave propels India's power demand to new all-time high
May 29, 2024
Key Observations:
The brutal heatwave that has burdened India for weeks intensified to a new degree of pain today. At least two stations in New Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 49°C or higher. That level exceeds the normal max temp in May by 10°C. A third station initially reported a max above 52°C. This was later judged to be sensor error.
It is perhaps telling that the thermometers are struggling to keep pace with such severe weather. For reference, the highest-recorded temperature in the world since modern record-keeping began in the late 19th century is 56.7°C at Furnace Creek Ranch, California on July 10, 1913. You may better recognize this location as “Death Valley.”
Some meterologists dispute the accuracy of the 1913 official record. What is not in doubt is the surge in India’s electricity demand today in response to the sweltering heat. Real-time monitoring shows that India’s peak power demand hit 246.1 gigawatts (GW) today. This consumption is 11 percent higher than peak demand in the same month a year ago. It also tops the previous all-time record set in September 2023 by 2.8GW.
While India’s hot season tends to crest in May and temps will likely soon moderate during the monsoon season, India’s government projects that further highs in electricity demand lie ahead. Their baseline projection sees 260GW by Sept. 2024.
Source: IMD, CEA, Blacklight Research. * The stations are: (1) Pragati Maidan, (2) Pusa Amfu, (3) IGNOU, (4) KVK CRPF Campus, (5) KV Narayana, (6) Pharma Science and Research UN, (7) Salwan Public School, (8) KV2 Air Force Hindon, (9) KV Kamala Nahru Nagar, (10) Mungeshpur, (11) Narela, (12) Pitampura, (13) Ayanagar, (14) Jafarpur, (15) Najafgarh, and (16) Ujma KVK.
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