How has India's electricity demand changed due to heatwaves?

Heatwave conditions alone added nearly nine percent to India's peak power demand during April-June 2024, primarily for cooling needs.

What is the 'heat-power feedback loop' in India?

It's the cycle where rising temperatures increase electricity demand for cooling, leading to greater fossil fuel use, more emissions, and worsening heat.

Are Indian states integrating renewables into heat action plans?

Currently, only a few states, cities, and districts incorporate renewable energy backup systems into their heat preparedness frameworks.

Home / Environment / India's Heatwave Crisis: Power Demand Soars

India's Heatwave Crisis: Power Demand Soars

20 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Heatwave days over 40C increased 15% in 14 states from 2015-2024.
Electricity demand surged nearly 9% due to heatwaves, causing emissions.
Renewable energy grew, but coal remains India's dominant power source.

India's Heatwave Crisis: Power Demand Soars

India is experiencing a dramatic increase in extreme heat, with heatwave days exceeding 40 degrees Celsius surging over the last decade. Fourteen states reported a 15% rise in summer heat intensity between 2015 and 2024. This escalating heat has driven a significant spike in electricity demand, particularly for cooling, adding nearly nine percent to peak power demand during summer months and contributing to substantial CO₂ emissions.

Despite a rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity, increasing from 84 GW to 209 GW between 2015 and 2024, coal continues to be India's primary power source. Fossil-fuel capacity also grew, and while renewable energy output saw a substantial increase, fossil-based power generation still rose by 50%. This reliance on fossil fuels during peak summer demand exacerbates emissions and air pollution, creating a detrimental cycle.