India's peak power demand witnessed a sharp 41 per cent increase during the summer months of 2023, driven by soaring temperatures and frequent heatwaves, a report by Climate Trends has revealed.
The heightened electricity consumption led to a three per cent rise in fossil fuel usage, with 2,853 million units of electricity generated from conventional sources, adding over two million tonnes of carbon emissions, according to Climate Trends, a research-based initiative focusing on environmental and climate issues.
The study, released on Monday, points to a direct link between extreme heat and power consumption, particularly in urban and affluent areas where cooling appliances are widely utilised.
In contrast, rural demand remained largely unchanged due to inadequate electricity infrastructure and limited access to cooling devices.
"We have been attributing the surge in electricity consumption solely to economic development, but our analysis shows that heatwaves are significantly contributing to peak power demand," said Dr Manish Ram, lead analyst of the study.
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With February 2025 recorded as the hottest since 1901, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a hotter-than-usual summer, which could place further strain on the power grid, continuing last year's trend.
Peak electricity demand in February alone reached 238 GW and is anticipated to rise further in March and April as temperatures escalate.
Climate experts caution that increasing reliance on fossil fuels to meet electricity demand could exacerbate climate change.
"The more fossil fuels we burn, the worse heatwaves will get, creating a vicious cycle of rising temperatures and increasing power demand," remarked Archana Choudhary, Associate Director at Climate Trends.
The report advocates urgent policy measures, including an accelerated transition to renewable energy, the promotion of energy-efficient appliances, and enhanced electricity access in rural areas.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also identified extreme weather events as a growing threat to global energy security, with similar trends observed across various countries.
As IMD forecasts another sweltering summer, power demand in India is expected to climb further, placing additional pressure on the energy infrastructure.
Experts emphasise the need for immediate interventions to address peak electricity demand through cleaner energy sources and sustainable solutions to mitigate long-term climate risks.
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