Minister says India is boosting its renewable energy efforts amid disruptions in gas supplies

India's junior energy minister stated that the U.S. and Israel?war on Iran? has led to a "gas shortage".

Gas accounts for just 2% of India’s total electricity generation. However, during heatwaves or peak demand periods the country consumes about 8 gigawatts (GW) of power from gas. The Middle East Crisis has caused a volatility in the price and availability of natural gas. The generators are looking for alternative sources, Shripad Naik, the junior power minister of India said.

He said that the country also closely monitors the progress of coal and hydro plants, which are currently under construction. They are expected to be completed by June 2026.

Naik stated that the system was well-positioned to meet summer demands, compensating for the reduced gas-based production. The South Asian nation already ordered Tata 'Power's 4 gigawatt imported coal plant in western state Gujarat to operate at full capacity between April 1 and June 30.

India depends on coal for almost 75% of its power generation.

The minister stated that India also encouraged its industries to "produce their power themselves through their captive generator plants." This could reduce industrial electricity consumption. (Reporting and editing by Sethuraman N.R.)

(source: Reuters)