Delhi has experienced a significant surge in electricity demand over the past 12 months, particularly on hot and humid days, reveals a recent briefing note by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The report, which analysed data up to June 22, 2024, points to a nearly doubled occurrence of hot and humid days compared to the previous corresponding period.
Key findings indicate that Delhi’s peak electricity demand spiked by 711 megawatts (MW) on the hottest and most humid days, marking a 3.8-fold increase compared to days with moderate temperatures. Similarly, on cold and dry days, peak demand rose by 506MW, which was 2.7 times higher than on moderate days (188MW increase).
The analysis, using wet-bulb temperature (WBT) as a measure, underscores the intensified demand for cooling during extreme weather conditions. Days with a WBT of 32.5°C saw the highest demand spikes, highlighting the critical role of air conditioning and fans in meeting comfort needs.
Charles Worringham, Guest Contributor at IEEFA and author of the note, emphasized the implications for human health and energy infrastructure resilience. “Cooling on such days is not just a luxury but a life-saving necessity,” Worringham stated. He stressed the importance of reliably meeting electricity demand amid escalating temperatures that pose significant health risks.
Moreover, the report identifies a shift towards more frequent and intense heatwaves, with the number of very hot and humid days (WBT above 30°C) rising from 24 to 40 days within the studied period. These extreme conditions highlight the urgency of adopting sustainable energy solutions and improving energy efficiency across Delhi.
In response to these challenges, the briefing note advocates for expanding utility-scale solar projects as a more sustainable alternative to increasing thermal power capacity. It also calls for aggressive energy efficiency improvements and demand-side management strategies to mitigate peak demand growth.
As Delhi and other regions brace for more frequent heatwaves, the report underscores the need for proactive measures to enhance energy resilience and ensure sustainable electricity supply amidst escalating climate challenges.
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