The electricity shortfall has reached 3,000 MW

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electricity shortfall reported in various countries, specifically focusing on a claimed shortfall of 3,000 MW against a backdrop of generation and demand figures. Participants explore the implications of these figures, the variability of shortfalls, and the efficiency of power generation and distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the reported shortfall of 3,000 MW is an average figure, suggesting that actual shortfalls may fluctuate above and below this value.
  • Another participant agrees with the idea that power plants can only produce a limited amount of electricity, implying that the shortfall may be context-dependent.
  • A later reply introduces a hypothetical scenario of a much larger peak hour power shortage in India, citing government estimates of 14,000-15,000 MW against a demand of over 100,000 MW.
  • One participant points out that the issue of power shortages in India may be more related to efficiency, noting that a significant percentage of power is wasted, rather than solely a generation issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the electricity shortfall, with some focusing on the average reported figures and others emphasizing efficiency issues. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the primary causes of the shortfall.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific figures and sources, but there are limitations in the assumptions made about the variability of shortfalls and the efficiency of power systems. The discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding these issues.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying energy policy, electrical engineering, or the efficiency of power generation and distribution systems.

jackson6612
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In news stories about the countries suffering from energy crisis it is said that, let's say, the electricity shortfall has reached 3,000 MW while the generation is 5,000 MW and demand 8,000 MW. Watt is used for rate of energy, energy flow per unit time. Are they talking about the shortfall in average terms? Perhaps, the shortfall keeps varying, at times it is over 3,000 and sometimes below the indicated value, but when taken average it's 3,000 MW. Do I have it right? Please let me know.
 
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Must be something like that because obviously a power plant can only produce what it can produce. Do you have a link to the news story you're talking about?
 
Thanks, Russ.

No, I don't have the link - I just made it up. Let me google it.

I found this: http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/may/03power.htm

According to the latest government estimates, the country will face a peak hour power shortage of 14,000-15,000 Mw in the coming months, against a demand of over 100,000 Mw, which would result in inevitable blackouts and loadshedding.
 
Power plants sometimes just can't give enough juice for the peak hours, that's is usually at noon.
 
If you are talking about a power shortage in India there is a serious issue with efficiency. India, 2004 figures, wastes over 25% of their power! So its not a generation problem.

Look here:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_ele_pow_tra_and_dis_los_of_out-power-transmission-distribution-losses-output

India has one of the worst efficiency numbers.
 

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