The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has taken a decisive step to address the persistent power outages affecting South Andaman, approving an in-house augmentation of diesel generator (DG) capacity. The plan, cleared in principle by the Lieutenant Governor, will see the installation of DG sets with a combined capacity of 15 megawatts, expected to produce around 9 MW at the Chatham Power House and 6 MW at the Phoenix Bay Power House. The tendering process for procurement is set to begin shortly.
This measure comes against the backdrop of an acute electricity shortage in Sri Vijaya Puram following the closure of one of the hired power plants at Chatham. The shutdown has strained the already limited supply, prompting the administration to look for immediate, short-term solutions while pursuing its long-term energy transition goals.
In the interim, officials are working to enhance generation from the existing DG plants in Sri Vijaya Puram. These facilities, though designed for supplementary use, have become a critical component of the island’s power infrastructure during the ongoing crisis.
The administration has acknowledged the public’s patience and trust amid the rolling blackouts and assured that every effort is being made to minimise disruption. The move to add diesel capacity, while not aligned with the ultimate goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, is being presented as a temporary but necessary intervention to ensure supply continuity.
The demand for electricity in South Andaman has been on a steady rise, driven by urban expansion, increased commercial activity, and greater household appliance use. Compounding the issue is the slow progress of renewable energy projects intended to replace or supplement diesel-based generation. These projects, including solar and hybrid energy plants, have faced delays due to logistical challenges, regulatory approvals, and the need for customised solutions suited to the islands’ geographic and environmental constraints.
The administration has reaffirmed its commitment to de-dieselisation of power generation within the next three to four years, promising rigorous pursuit and monitoring of all renewable initiatives. Officials have stressed that the diesel augmentation does not signal a policy shift away from sustainable energy but rather a stopgap measure dictated by current circumstances.
The broader plan to overhaul the islands’ power supply system includes a mix of solar photovoltaic arrays, wind installations, and battery storage solutions, all designed to withstand the tropical maritime climate and the challenges of island logistics. In addition, there are proposals for underwater cable connections and hybrid microgrids that could help stabilise supply while reducing reliance on imported diesel fuel.
For residents and businesses in South Andaman, the approval of additional DG sets is likely to bring some relief from the frequent power cuts that have disrupted daily life and economic activity. However, environmental concerns remain over the increased use of diesel, which carries both greenhouse gas emissions and potential risks to the islands’ fragile ecosystems.
The administration maintains that balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability remains the guiding principle. The diesel boost, it argues, is a temporary bridge toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the islands.
With tendering set to commence soon, installation and commissioning timelines will be critical in determining how quickly the new capacity can come online. Until then, South Andaman will continue to depend on its existing generators, supplemented by whatever renewable output is currently available.
