**India’s Electricity Demand Surges Amid Record Heatwaves**
India’s electricity demand surged by 10.4% during the intense heatwave months of April to June 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. This increase was significantly influenced by the rising use of air conditioning, which accounted for nearly one-third of the demand spike, according to a recent report from the global energy think tank Ember.
The sixth edition of Ember’s Global Electricity Review highlighted that heatwaves contributed to nearly 20% of the global electricity demand increase in 2024, driving a 1.4% rise in fossil fuel-based power generation. This surge in demand led to a 1.6% increase in global power sector emissions, adding 223 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and pushing total emissions to a record high of 14.6 billion tonnes. Without the heat-related demand, fossil fuel generation would have only grown by 0.2%, as clean energy sources met 96% of the demand growth not attributed to higher temperatures.
In India, the overall electricity demand from April to September 2024 was 6.1% higher than the same period in 2023, with 19% of this increase linked to elevated temperatures. During the peak heatwave months of April to June, demand rose by 10.8% year-on-year. The report noted that this surge was primarily driven by economic growth, with air conditioning responsible for an estimated 30% of the increase. In May alone, cooling needs accounted for over one-third of the year-on-year demand rise.
Overall, India’s electricity demand increased by 5% in 2024, with clean energy sources fulfilling 33% of this additional demand, while coal contributed 64%. This marks a decline from 2023, when coal met 91% of the demand increase. A recent study predicts that India may add between 130 to 150 million new room air conditioners over the next decade, potentially raising peak power demand by over 180 GW by 2035, which could strain the electricity grid.
Reports indicate that India is expected to see a 9% to 10% increase in peak electricity demand this summer, as more heatwave days are anticipated. The share of household electricity consumption in India rose from 22% in 2012-13 to 25% in 2022-23, largely due to economic growth and the increasing demand for cooling as temperatures rise.
Research from the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development suggests that in a world 2 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, India will experience the highest cooling demand in terms of population, followed by countries like China, Nigeria, and the United States. The India Meteorological Department has also forecasted above-normal temperatures from April to June, with an increase in heatwave days expected in central and eastern India, as well as the northwestern plains.
The year 2024 has been recorded as the warmest year both in India and globally, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to meet rising electricity demands.
**FAQ**
**Q: What factors are driving the increase in electricity demand in India?**
A: The increase in electricity demand in India is primarily driven by economic growth and higher temperatures, leading to greater use of air conditioning during heatwave months.
