A recent report by the Global Energy Think Tank Ember reveals a 10.4% increase in India’s electricity demand for the April to June 2024 period, attributed to increased air conditioning usage during severe heatwaves. The report indicates that heatwaves are responsible for nearly 20% of the global increase in electricity demand and a corresponding rise in fossil fuel generation, fuelling a 1.6% increase in global electricity sector emissions. In India, the anticipated demand from April to September 2024 is projected to be 6.1% higher than in 2023, with air conditioning contributing 30% to this year-on-year increase. Notably, total electricity demand in India has risen by 5% in 2024, with coal meeting 64% of this demand, a decrease from 91% the previous year. Experts predict that the proliferation of air conditioning units could lead to a significant spike in peak electricity demand, posing challenges to the electric grid. Climate change is exacerbating heatwave frequency and intensity, with experts warning of a potential tenfold increase in heatwave risk this century, impacting over 70% of India’s land area.
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