Increasing temp fuelled electricity demand by 41 per cent

India's electricity demand has grown significantly over recent years due to urbanisation, economic growth, and industrial activity.

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In addition, peak demand for electricity has been increasing rapidly due to the growing reliance on air conditioning to meet cooling needs during summer months and beyond.

In the summer of 2023, this trend became especially apparent as India faced an exceptionally hot season with frequent heat waves.

The World Bank projects that India's mean summer temperature will increase by five degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century under the RCP 8.5 emission scenario.

India's climate is diverse, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the north.

Over the past few decades, India has experienced a significant rise in average temperatures.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the annual mean temperature has been increasing at a rate of approximately 0.6 degrees Celsius per century.

The frequency and intensity of heatwaves have also risen, affecting both urban and rural areas.

Heatwaves will persist in India, and those lacking cooling options will suffer the most.

Electricity-driven access to cooling boosts demand, necessitating various measures to maintain that demand at a manageable level.

In addition to the rapid acceleration of solar generation and expansion of inter-regional transmission capacity, there is a need for widespread adoption of the Energy Conservation Building Codes to reduce the need for cooling and make it more efficient when used.

Electricity consumption in the form of cooling demand provides thermal comfort to people that can reduce heat-induced mortality on a large scale.

As temperatures increased, there was a significant rise in electricity demand, reaching its highest point during the hottest summer months.