India’s Electricity Usage Surpasses 131.5 Billion Units in February
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Synopsis
India's power consumption surged to 131.54 billion units in February 2024, a notable increase from 127.34 billion units in the previous year. Peak power demand also rose significantly, reflecting the country's growing energy needs amidst rising temperatures.
Key Takeaways
- Power consumption reached 131.54 billion units in February 2024.
- Peak supply increased to 238.14 GW.
- Projected peak demand of 270 GW anticipated in summer 2025.
- India aims for 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Coal remains the major energy source despite renewable growth.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) India's electricity usage rose to 131.54 billion units (BU) in February this year, up from 127.34 BU during the same month last year, according to official statistics.
The peak supply recorded in a single day to meet demand also increased to 238.14 GW for the month, compared to 222 GW in February 2024.
The peak power demand reached an unprecedented 250 GW in May 2024, surpassing the previous high of 243.27 GW noted in September 2023.
Government projections indicate that peak power demand may reach 270 GW in the summer of 2025.
With March expected to be hotter than average, as per the latest IMD forecasts, power demand is anticipated to increase. February has already recorded the highest temperatures for that month since 1901.
As the world's fastest growing major economy, India is experiencing a significant rise in electricity consumption, driven by the energy needs of approximately 1.3 billion people.
According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the estimated All-India peak electricity demand for 2026-27 is projected at 277.2 GW with an energy requirement of 1907.8 BU. For 2031-32, the projections rise to 366.4 GW and 2473.8 BU, according to the 20th Electric Power Survey (EPS).
While coal remains the dominant source of electricity generation in India, the nation is advancing towards renewable energy solutions, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. Additionally, efforts are underway to boost nuclear power generation.
As 2025 approaches, India is on a firm path to reach its ambitious goal of 500 GW of energy capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, having concluded 2024 with 214 GW of installed green energy capacity, as reported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
From April to November 2024, India added nearly 15 GW of renewable energy capacity, nearly double the 7.57 GW added in the same timeframe the previous year.
In September 2024, India surpassed the 200 GW milestone for total installed Renewable Energy capacity, which further grew to 214 GW by November 2024, marking an increase of over 14 percent compared to 187.05 GW in the same period last year.
