Country's Electricity Sector Shows Shift Towards Cleaner Energy Sources

The electricity sector in our country has been steadily evolving, with a total capacity of 42,131 MW as of March 2024. According to the Economic Survey report for the year 2023-24, the distribution of electricity sources is as follows: hydel power at 25.4%, nuclear at 8.4%, renewable at 6.8%, and thermal at 59.4%. This translates to hydel power contributing 10,681 MW, thermal 25,046 MW, nuclear 3,545 MW, and renewable 2,859 MW to the total installed capacity.

One notable trend is the decreasing dominance of thermal power over the years, signaling a shift towards more indigenous energy sources. The combined share of hydel, nuclear, and renewable energy in total electricity generation stands at 54.1%, showcasing a positive movement towards cleaner energy sources.

During the fiscal year 2024 (July-March), the country's total electricity consumption was recorded at 68,559 GWh. The household sector emerged as the largest consumer, utilizing 49.2% of the electricity, followed by the industrial sector at 26.3%. Agriculture and commercial sectors consumed 10.1% and 7.8%, respectively, while other sectors (streetlights, general services, and government) accounted for 6.6% of the total electricity consumption.

The data highlights a significant shift towards cleaner and more diverse energy sources in the country's electricity landscape. With a growing emphasis on renewable energy and a decreasing reliance on thermal power, the future looks promising for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity sector.