India's Power Demand Surges Amid Heatwaves, Air Conditioning Usage Key Driver: Ember Report

Electricity demand jumps over 10% in April-June 2024, fueled by rising temperatures and economic growth​

New Delhi, April 8, 2025 — India witnessed a sharp 10.4% surge in electricity demand during the intense heatwave period from April to June 2024, according to the latest Global Electricity Review released Tuesday by global energy think tank Ember. A significant portion of this spike—nearly one-third—was attributed to the increased use of air conditioning amid soaring temperatures.

The report highlights how heatwaves have become a central factor in the rising global power demand, contributing nearly one-fifth of the total increase in 2024. This climate-induced demand was also the primary reason for a 1.4% uptick in fossil fuel-based power generation worldwide, which in turn pushed global power sector emissions to a record 14.6 billion tonnes—a 1.6% increase, or an additional 223 million tonnes of CO₂.

India’s heat-fueled demand outpaces annual average​

From April to September 2024, India’s overall electricity consumption rose by 6.1% compared to the same period in 2023. The Ember report attributes 19% of this rise to elevated temperatures, particularly during the April–June window, when demand spiked by 10.8% year-on-year.

“Economic growth remained the primary driver, but air conditioning accounted for an estimated 30% of the year-on-year increase during the peak summer months,” the report noted. In May 2024, cooling alone was responsible for over a third of the surge in electricity usage.

Clean energy gains traction, but coal still dominates​

India’s total electricity demand grew by 5% in 2024. Of the additional demand, clean energy sources met 33%, while coal fulfilled 64%. Although coal still dominated, this marked a significant shift from 2023 when it accounted for 91% of the added demand.

The data signals gradual progress in India's energy transition, though the continued reliance on coal underlines the challenges of decarbonizing during periods of extreme weather and economic expansion.

Air conditioning boom to strain future power grids​

The report warns of mounting pressure on India’s electricity infrastructure in the coming decade. A separate study cited in the findings projects the addition of 130 to 150 million new room air conditioners by 2035, potentially increasing peak power demand by over 180 GW. This surge could heavily strain the existing power grid.

With household electricity use rising from 22% in 2012–13 to 25% in 2022–23, experts link this trend to growing incomes and the escalating need for cooling due to rising temperatures.

India to lead global cooling demand in a warmer world​

Ongoing research from the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development forecasts that India will have the highest cooling demand worldwide—surpassing China, Nigeria, and the U.S.—if global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Warming climate intensifies heatwave risk​

According to the India Meteorological Department, above-normal temperatures are expected across much of India from April to June 2025, especially in central, eastern, and northwestern regions. The year 2024 was already the hottest on record both in India and globally, with heatwave conditions recorded as early as February and the first official heatwave of the year declared on April 5.

Experts caution that climate change is intensifying both the frequency and severity of heatwaves. A 2022 study warned that the risk of heatwaves could rise tenfold this century, potentially exposing over 70% of India’s landmass to extreme heat.