Indian government orders gas-fired power plants to operate at full capacity

• 18 days ago (2024-04-15)
• David Flin

Asia 850 Gas 372

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The Indian government has issued directives for gas-fired power plants to operate at maximum capacity from May 1 to June 30, to meet escalating power demand expected from the anticipated heat wave. This follows the extension of the deadline for imported coal-fired power plants to operate at full capacity until October 15.

According to government estimates, there is approximately 20 GW of idle gas-fired power generation capacity in India, of which around 16 GW can be effectively utilised. Much of the under-utilisation is as a result of cost of operation.

The directives issued by the Indian Ministry of Power fall under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003. This section empowers the appropriate government authority to specify operational instructions for generating companies in extraordinary circumstances.