According to the tentative report provided by the Power Ministry, Indian power generation from conventional sources has increased 2% on the month to 96.6 BU (Billion Unit) in Dec’17 against 95.12 BU in Nov’17.
Power generation from Conventional sources include thermal power generation (from Coal, diesel and gas plants), Hydro power, Nuclear power and electricity imported from Bhutan.
On the yearly basis, power output was 1% higher than 95.26 BU power generated during Dec’16.
Monthly power generation in Nov’17 had fallen to its lowest total for FY18, as the relatively cool weather had lowered the power demand. However, on the back of strong industrial activities going across the country, the power generation has improved in Dec’17.
Total conventional power generation has increased 4% Y-o-Y to 906.214 BU during Apr’17-Dec’17, against the total generation of 873.074 BU power during the same period in FY17.
Source-wise Power Generation:
Hydro power generation has been falling on the monthly basis since Sep’17, on account of the retreating monsoon. During Dec’17, hydro generation had dropped to its lowest total for FY18, recorded at 6.89 BU.
In order to compensate for the loss in hydro power, nuclear plants had achieved its highest monthly power generation FY18. Nuclear power generation had increased 9% M-o-M to 3.89 BU in Dec’17 from 3.57 BU in Nov’17. PLF of the nuclear plants was also recorded year-high at 77.19 during the month.
While, thermal power generation had also increased 2% M-o-M to 85.67 BU in Dec’17.
| Source | Dec’17 | Nov’17 | %Change |
| Thermal | 85.67 | 84 | 2% |
| Hydro* | 6.89 | 7.30 | -6% |
| Nuclear | 3.89 | 3.57 | 9% |
| Bhutan Imports | 0.14 | 0.25 | -44% |
| Total | 96.60 | 95.12 | 2% |
Source: Power Ministry
Quantity in BU (Billion Units)
*excludes generation from Hydro stations upto 25 MW
The country’s major power demand is catered through thermal power plants, particularly the coal-fired units. During the period of August-October, the increase in demand of electricity had seen the available coal stock at the power plants falling to 7 MnT in Oct’17.However, enhanced coal supplied from CIL has improved the stock position at the power plants.
According to the data provided by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) coal inventories at 113 Indian coal-fired power plants had rose 1.5% W-o-W to a five-month high of 13.53 MnT as on 16 Jan’18. Still, the need to preserve or rebuild the coal inventories at the power plants has kept the buyers active in the import market.
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