The report highlights that in 2023, India’s fossil fuel consumption rose by 3% to meet the surging electricity demand | Pixabay
As India stands on the precipice of its hottest year on record, a new analysis warns that escalating temperatures will put immense pressure on the country’s power infrastructure and reinforce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The findings, presented in a study by Climate Trends, reveal that extreme summer heat in 2023 already caused a sharp rise in electricity consumption, a pattern expected to intensify in 2025.
“With February 2025 already being the hottest since 1901, we are heading for an extremely warm year. Rising temperatures directly translate into higher power demand, leading to increased fossil fuel consumption and emissions,” said Dr. Manish Ram, lead analyst of the study.
The report highlights that in 2023, India’s fossil fuel consumption rose by 3% to meet the surging electricity demand. More than 2,853 million units of electricity were generated from fossil fuels during peak summer months, contributing over 2 million tons of carbon emissions.
Heatwaves and the Energy Burden
The study draws a direct connection between heatwaves and power demand, particularly in urban and wealthier regions where air conditioning usage is widespread. Conversely, in rural and underdeveloped areas, power consumption remains largely unchanged during heatwaves due to inadequate electricity infrastructure and the limited affordability of cooling appliances.
“Our analysis of power consumption patterns across states and union territories shows a direct correlation between rising temperatures and increased electricity usage. Yet, millions of people in rural areas are left without adequate cooling solutions,” Dr. Ram added.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted above-normal temperatures in the coming months, with power demand already hitting 238 GW in February—an unprecedented figure expected to surge further in March and April.
“We are entering a dangerous cycle where heatwaves drive up power demand, leading to higher fossil fuel use, which in turn worsens climate change. Without urgent intervention, this cycle will only escalate,” said Archana Choudhary, Associate Director at Climate Trends.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also raised concerns about extreme weather events posing a growing threat to global energy security. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of IEA, emphasized that soaring power demand due to heatwaves is a global challenge.
“We are burning more fossil fuels to meet rising power demand during extreme heat, which only makes the situation worse. This is not just an India-specific issue; it’s a worldwide concern,” Dr. Ram noted.
Urgent Need for Clean Energy Transition
The report underscores the necessity for immediate action to shift peak power generation away from fossil fuels. It recommends expanding renewable energy capacity to reduce dependency on coal and gas, promoting energy efficiency through sustainable buildings and cooling solutions, and ensuring equitable access to electricity, especially in rural areas vulnerable to heatwaves.
As India faces an unprecedented rise in temperatures, experts warn that failing to transition to clean energy will further destabilize the power sector, accelerate emissions, and deepen the climate crisis.
