India accelerates wind, battery power amid gas shortage

India is fast-tracking the commissioning of wind power plants and battery energy storage systems in response to a natural gas shortfall triggered by the ongoing US–Israeli conflict with Iran, the country’s junior power minister Shripad Naik announced on March 30.

Although gas accounts for only about 2% of India’s total electricity generation, the country relies on roughly 8 GW of gas-fired power during periods of peak demand or heatwaves. Naik told parliament that challenges in gas availability and price volatility have prompted generators to explore alternative energy sources, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The government is also closely monitoring the progress of coal and hydropower projects scheduled for commissioning by June 2026. Tata Power’s 4 GW imported-coal plant in Gujarat, for example, will operate at full capacity from April 1 to June 30 to compensate for reduced gas-based generation.

India relies on coal for nearly 75% of its electricity, and officials have asked coal plants to run at maximum capacity and avoid planned outages to meet peak summer demand.

The ministry has also encouraged industrial facilities to generate their own power through captive plants, reducing pressure on the national grid and ensuring sufficient electricity supply during the summer months.

By Vugar Khalilov