El Niño Expected to Impact Wind and Hydropower Production in India, Study Reports

The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has released a report indicating that a potential decrease in wind and hydropower generation, coupled with an increasing demand for air conditioning, may result in a significant energy shortfall. The analysis suggests that this gap could reach approximately 18 terawatt hours (TWh) over the next year, leading up to June 2027.

This projection highlights concerns about the reliability of renewable energy sources in meeting the growing energy demands, particularly during peak usage times in hot weather when air conditioning demand surges. The report underscores the importance of addressing energy supply challenges to ensure that electricity generation can keep pace with consumption, especially as climate change increases temperature extremes.

As countries transition to cleaner energy sources, it remains crucial to balance renewable output with other forms of generation to prevent potential energy shortages. Stakeholders may need to explore solutions such as energy storage systems, diversifying energy mix, and enhancing grid infrastructure to mitigate the impact of fluctuating renewable energy production on overall supply.