An analysis of temperature data from 2015 to 2024 indicates that India experienced a persistent warming trend, with the annual mean temperature rising from 25.37° Celsius to 25.74° Celsius. The Indo-Gangetic region, in particular, witnessed consistent temperature increases, including instances where summer peaks exceeded 45° Celsius, and a recorded high of 52.3° Celsius in Mungeshpur, Delhi, in 2024.
This decadal warming directly corresponded with record-breaking electricity demand, reaching approximately 250 GW during the summer of 2024, primarily due to increased cooling requirements across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Electricity demand during April-June 2024 saw a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with Uttar Pradesh demonstrating a strong correlation between temperature and surging peak power consumption.
The report noted that India's electricity system continues to depend significantly on fossil fuels to meet peak demand during hot periods, despite advancements in renewable energy deployment. It calls for the reformation of Heat Action Plans into integrated energy-climate resilience frameworks that incorporate electricity demand forecasting, increased renewable energy adoption, equitable resource distribution, accelerated energy storage solutions, and enhanced demand flexibility.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/indias-annual-maximum-temperatures-increased-across-most-states-from-01c-to-05c-during-last-decade-report/article70303725.ece