India: Conventional Power Generation Up 5% Y-o-Y in Apr’19

Indian power generation from conventional sources has increased 5% Y-o-Y to 108.93 BU (Billion Units) in Apr’19 compared with 103.89 BU in Apr’18. The output was also 2% higher on the month from 107.14 BU in Mar’19.

Conventional power generation includes output from thermal plants, hydro power, nuclear power and electricity imported from Bhutan.

In line with the rise in electricity demand during summer season, the target for generation in Apr’19 was set higher at 112.348 BU as against 109.655 BU in Mar’19. However, 97% of the target was attained during the month.

Source: Power Ministry
Quantity in BU
*excludes generation from Hydro stations upto 25 MW

Output from hydro sources continued its remarkable growth by recording a 6-month high total in Apr’19. Monthly generation volume of 11.09 BU was 47% higher on the year from 7.557 BU in Apr’18, and had also attained its target set for the period.

Thermal power output increased 2% Y-o-Y to 94.416 BU in Apr’19, but was slightly lesser on the month compared with 95.04 BU in Mar’19.

Contribution from coal fired power plants was 87.345 BU during the month.

Effect on Coal Stock: Amid the stern demand for electricity in summer season, coal stock at power plants have started to deplete.

Although combined stock at power plants (having coal linkages) have swelled to 31.98 MnT as on 6 May’19, slightly higher against 30.947 MnT recorded at the end of FY19.

But, at the same time, numbers of plants in critical or super-critical list of CEA for want of coal have also increased from nil to 3 in the period.

Remaining Power Output:
Nuclear power generation was down 4% Y-o-Y to 3.178 BU in Apr’19, which was also 5% lower on the month from 3.36 BU in Mar’19.

Electricity imported from Bhutan witnessed significant growth on the year, rising 10-folds to 0.244 BU in Apr’19.