Power Sector Witnessing Steady Uptick In Demand

The Power sector in India is witnessing a steady uptick in demand with average peak demand till date in Apr'21 is up 4% (2-year CAGR) vs. 6% growth in Mar'21, largely due to fresh restrictions related to the second wave of Covid-19 infections, Motilal Oswal has said in a report.

"During Q4FY21, generation (ex-renewables) stood at ~5% ( 2-year CAGR, FY19-21). On a YoY basis, generation grew ~9% due to a lower base on account of Covid-19-induced lockdowns in Mar'20.

Thermal PLFs have improved in last few quarters: Thermal generation was up 12% YoY (5% 2-year CAGR) during the quarter. Thermal PLF during H2FY21 stood at 59.5% vs. 54% in H2FY20. Mar'21 thermal PLF at 66.5% was the highest since Mar'14 for the month. H2FY21 PLF of NTPC units stood at 70% vs. 66.5% YoY.

Capacity addition takes a hit: In FY21, net conventional power capacity addition stood at ~3GW vs. 4.5GW YoY. RE power addition in the first 11 months of FY21 stood at ~6GW vs. ~9.5GW YoY," broking firm Motilal Oswal has stated.