A policy-and-research analysis indicates that India’s power system could face strain from El Niño conditions.
The study projects that weaker wind and hydropower output, coupled with rising electricity demand—especially from increased air-conditioning needs—could create an annual generation shortfall of nearly 18 terawatt-hours by the year ending June 2027.
While the projected gap is small relative to India’s total generation, the analysis warns that the critical risk is how the shortfall would be met.
It suggests the most likely response would be higher coal-fired generation, potentially increasing carbon dioxide emissions substantially.
These are scenario projections rather than definite forecasts.
The piece links the electricity concern to India Meteorological Department expectations of below-normal southwest monsoon rainfall.
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