India’s electricity consumption is expected to triple by 2050, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA’s annual World Energy Outlook, released on Wednesday, projects that India will become the third-largest electricity consumer globally by mid-century, driven by annual demand growth of over 4%. This surge in electricity use aligns with India’s ambitions to achieve developed economy status by 2047.

The report highlights that India’s electricity demand in 2023 showed a daily variability of 15%, a figure set to nearly triple by 2050. The primary factor behind this increase is the growing demand for air conditioning, as more households gain access to cooling appliances due to rising incomes. Additionally, the increased ownership of home appliances and electric vehicles (EVs) will also significantly impact daily electricity consumption patterns.

While India will see tremendous growth, the IEA notes that China and the United States will continue to have higher electricity demand by 2050. However, India’s position as a fast-growing market for electricity is emblematic of broader trends across emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), where rising incomes are expected to drive higher demand for household appliances and industrial activity.

The IEA also outlined a broader shift in the global energy landscape. The world is moving into what the agency calls the “Age of Electricity,” a period increasingly defined by clean energy sources. Despite this, coal will continue to play a significant role in India’s energy mix for decades. By 2030, India is expected to add nearly 60 GW of coal-fired power capacity, and coal-based electricity generation is projected to increase by more than 15%.

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Coal has historically been a major energy source for India’s industrial sector, supplying 40% of its energy needs in 2023. According to the report, industrial coal consumption will grow by 50% by 2035, maintaining its current share in the sector’s energy demand.

In summary, India’s electricity landscape is set for a dramatic transformation, driven by economic growth, rising incomes, and increasing electrification, though coal will remain a key component of the nation’s energy strategy for years to come.

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