Heatwaves Surge India's Electricity Demand in 2024

India's electricity demand surged by 10.4% during the 2024 heatwave months due to increased air conditioning use. Globally, heatwaves fueled a rise in power sector emissions. India's new report indicates a future spike in power demand, linked to economic growth and climate change, driving up cooling requirements.

India's electricity consumption surged by 10.4% amid the scorching heatwave months of April to June 2024, according to a recent report. This spike is largely attributed to the increased usage of air conditioners, accounting for nearly one-third of the rise in demand.

The Ember's Global Electricity Review highlights that heatwaves contributed to nearly a fifth of the global rise in electricity demand, spurring a 1.4% lift in fossil fuel-based power generation. Consequently, global power sector emissions saw a 1.6% increase, with carbon dioxide emissions reaching an unprecedented 14.6 billion tonnes.

The report underscores that while India's electricity demand rose by 5% in 2024, clean energy met 33% of this additional requirement, a significant improvement from 2023. However, the continued reliance on coal reflects the challenges India faces amid economic growth and climate changes.

(With inputs from agencies.)