Context:
A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) projects that strengthening El Niño conditions could reduce India’s wind and hydropower generation, creating a power generation shortfall. The study highlights the need for greater battery storage and grid upgrades to maintain energy security.
Explanation:
- El Niño is the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, forming the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
- El Niño weakens the southwest monsoon over India, often resulting in below-normal rainfall, reduced reservoir levels and weaker wind conditions.
- Hydropower depends on river flows and reservoir storage, while wind power depends on sustained wind speeds; both can decline during weak monsoon years.
- Reduced renewable generation may increase dependence on coal-based thermal power, raising carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and affecting India’s climate commitments.
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), grid modernisation, diversified renewable energy sources and efficient power transmission help integrate variable renewable energy and improve grid reliability.
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