New Delhi, July 16 - Around 25,000 MW of power, nearly six times what Delhi requires during peak hours, is being produced by private consumers and commercial units by burning diesel, which is affecting environment and contributing to climate change, a senior official said here Thursday.

'The continuing energy shortage is leading to an increasing use of diesel for power generation, whether in the industrial, commercial, retail or domestic sectors. It is estimated that this may be equivalent to 25,000 megawatt,' New and Renewable Energy Secretary Deepak Gupta told a conference on climate change.

'There is also substantial use of kerosene for lighting in villages and small towns. Both are heavily subsidised and dangerous for the environment. Future economic growth of our country would be crucially dependent on the long-term availability of energy in increasing quantities from sources that are accessible, affordable, and environment friendly,' he added.

The secretary also advised it is better to 'invest in switching the energy system from existing fossil-based energy resources to renewables that are clean and environment friendly.