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Government says diversified energy mix and rising capacity will ensure stable electricity supply
Mar 24, 2026
India remains well-prepared to meet peak electricity demand during the upcoming summer months, with officials asserting that ongoing tensions in West Asia are unlikely to disrupt the country’s power supply.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said India’s limited reliance on gas-based power generation insulates it from external supply shocks linked to the region.
He noted that around 2.5 GW of gas-based capacity operates steadily and remains unaffected by geopolitical developments. An additional 8 GW is used selectively during periods of peak demand, such as heatwaves, ensuring flexibility in managing sudden surges in electricity consumption.
To further strengthen supply, the government is bringing additional capacity online. This includes activating imported coal-based power generation, with a major plant in Mundra expected to contribute around 4,000 MW to the grid.
Alongside conventional sources, efforts are underway to accelerate the commissioning of renewable energy projects. A significant amount of wind power capacity is nearing completion, which will play a crucial role in meeting electricity demand during non-solar hours.
Officials highlighted that solar energy is already sufficient to handle daytime electricity needs. With strong solar generation capacity in place, the system remains stable during daylight hours regardless of fluctuations in gas availability.
To address demand during evening and night hours, the government is also fast-tracking battery storage projects. These systems will help store excess renewable energy generated during the day and release it when demand peaks, ensuring a more balanced and reliable power supply.
Overall, the government expressed confidence that India’s diversified energy mix—combining coal, renewables, limited gas usage, and emerging storage solutions—will comfortably meet electricity demand exceeding 270 GW during the summer season.