- We know how the erratic weather patterns being witnessed courtesy of environmental degradation have caused tremendous upheavals to the global communities in more than one way. The issue of carbon emissions caused by unchecked usage of fossil fuels has hugely contributed to unpredictable climate changes. The resultant outcome in the form of natural calamities afflicting humankind is grave compelling every responsible citizen of the universe to be aware of the dangers. The huge loss of lives and properties owing to climate change-induced natural calamities are occurring with alarming regularity. The modern-day technology-driven evolution has led to further exploitation of natural resources leading to even more erratic weather patterns.
PC: Freepik
- Extreme weather conditions like heat waves, floods, droughts, unseasonal rains, cyclones, and cold waves are the outcome of unabated exploitations perpetrated by humankind on the environment. Mind you, there is no escaping from these vagaries unless all the countries earnestly contribute to reducing greenhouse gases to an acceptable level. Easier said than done though as more inventions mean more use of natural resources as well as alternative resources to ensure the developmental agenda is not hampered for want of requirements. Now, we know how sultry and unbearably hot summer months will be in India. The energy-sapping heat is bound to provide no respite for Indian citizens since the summer months are getting hotter by the year.
- The weather prediction for the summer months is not encouraging at all. Note that February has recorded an unusual surge in temperature. And as such, the Union Government like everyone else will be anticipating a torrid summer. Initial forecasts are that peak power demand in April will be 229GW, higher than the June 2022 record of 211GW, and therefore, by this time it’s June this year, demand will be even more. The Electricity Act empowers the Union Government to ask thermal power plants that rely on imported coal to run at full capacity. Reportedly, this is being done – if so, it’s good proactive planning by the Union Government. However, the 15 power plants designed to run on imported coal represent a weak link in the power generation ecosystem.
PC: Freepik
- Mind you, they are mostly locked into inflexible power purchase agreements when it comes to electricity tariff adjustment. So their instinct is to rationalize costs. When international coal prices rise these plants’ capacity usage is low. This strains the system as coal-based plants usually account for 70% of power generation, which climbs to beyond 80% when demand peaks. As coal prices began to rise over the last two years, the share of imports fell as a percentage of total domestic consumption. Nonetheless, GOI must brace up to face the summer surge. The heat of the coming summer should add to the urgency. Did someone mention what will happen to the environmental concerns? Let’s worry about the summer heat is what the majority of us will feel.
