India: Conventional Power Generation Down 10% M-o-M in Feb’19

According to the tentative report provided by the Power Ministry, Indian power generation from conventional sources was recorded at 91.207 BU in Feb’19, down 10% M-o-M from 100.847 BU in Jan’18.

However, the rate of daily output noted at 3.257 BU/day in Feb’19, had seen minor improvement on the month from 3.253 BU/day in Jan’19.

Still, the slight drop from 91.953 BU recorded in Feb’18, means that the conventional power generation has extended its fall on the y-o-y basis for the second successive month during Feb’19.

A source-wise break-up indicate that thermal power generation had dropped to its lowest total for the FY19. Output in Feb’19 was down 10% M-o-M to 81.244 BU, which was also 2% lower on the year compared with 82.893 BU in Feb’18.

Nuclear power generation decreased 11% M-o-M to 2.783 BU in Feb’19, while posting 18% decline on the yearly basis.

Output from hydro sources continued its good run, by generating more electricity than the set target during the month. Hydro power output grew 26% Y-o-Y to 7.134 BU in Feb’19 as against 5.682 BU in Feb’18, but had fell 3% M-o-M.

Remaining share of electricity which comes through imports from Bhutan, rebounded after falling to its lowest total in Jan ’19, was marked at 0.047 BU in Feb’19.

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

Improvement in domestic coal supplies coupled with higher hydro power output, has helped the coal fired plants to gradually raise their inventories from previous lows of 8-10 MnT seen during H1 FY19.

As per the data provided by CEA, available coal stock at the plants (having coal linkages) has reached 27.157 MnT as on 7 Mar’19, sufficient for 16 days of power generation, noting 27% growth from 21.442 MnT in 7 Feb’19.