Hydel power generation drops 9.31% in June

MUMBAI: Even as the government increases focus on generation from alternative sources, the results, due to a bad weather and fuel shortage, are not in favour.

The country���s hydro power generation dropped 9.31% in June, on account of low water availability and is likely to fall further as the ongoing sluggish monsoon hasn���t added to the water levels in catchment areas.

Similar is the case with nuclear power generation that has also shown a negative growth of about 10% in the same month, with the average plant load factor falling below 50%. This has been mainly due to the tight availability of uranium fuel, despite bilateral efforts in this direction.

The country���s hydro power capacity has been pegged at 18,275 megawatts, while nuclear capacity totals 4,120 mw.

According to industry experts, if the current situation continues, India could have to face a wider power deficit in the latter part of the year, as thermal power plants are also reeling under tight coal supplies.

India���s peak power deficit was around 12% in the previous fiscal year that ended in March.