As of 2024, electricity consumption in India remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which constitute more than three-quarters of the total electricity generated. Within this category, coal stands as the dominant source, providing nearly three-quarters of the country's electricity alone. Despite this dependency on fossil fuels, India is making notable progress in low-carbon electricity generation, which now makes up almost a quarter of the total. Key contributors to this cleaner energy landscape are hydropower, which accounts for over 7.5%, and solar and wind energies, contributing 6.5% and almost 4%, respectively. Nuclear power and biofuels also play a role, albeit smaller, in this growing sector of low-carbon electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in India?
Electricity consumption in India is on an upward swing, reflecting an increase in demand and gradual shifts toward more sustainable sources. In 2024, the per capita electricity consumption reached 1431 kWh, which marks an increment from the previous year's record of 1362 kWh per person. This rise is not only indicative of increased usage but also highlights positive trends in low-carbon electricity generation, which increased by 22 kWh per person year-on-year, achieving a new record of 321 kWh per person. This growth in electricity consumption, particularly clean electricity, signals tremendous progress for India as it positions itself to meet future energy demands and supports the electrification movement crucial to the nation's development.
Suggestions
To further expand low-carbon electricity generation, India can learn from countries that have successfully integrated substantial portions of clean energy into their grids. For instance, France, Slovakia, and Ukraine demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy, with nuclear power generating over half of their electricity. Focusing on nuclear, alongside solar energy, represents a viable pathway for India, leveraging its vast opportunities in solar power. Likewise, examining Denmark's use of wind energy—providing 52% of its electricity—could inform strategies to maximize India's wind capabilities. Through such approaches, India can increase its low-carbon output, reduce its dependency on polluting fossil fuels, and ensure energy security.
History
Looking at the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in India, it becomes clear that significant gains have been achieved, particularly in solar and hydropower. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, hydropower saw periods of robust growth, with notable increases in 1988 and the late 1990s and 2000s, although 2012 and 2023 experienced significant declines. The past decade, however, has been transformative for solar power, with substantial surges in capacity, notably from 2017 onward. This recent momentum continued into 2024, with expansion primarily in solar energy. These advancements underscore the nation's potential to transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable electricity sector, offering a template for future growth.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.