Rising Energy Demand in India Driven by EVs, Green Hydrogen, and Data Centers
Key Ideas
- India's energy demand is projected to grow by 6-6.5% over the next five years, fueled by the adoption of electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and expansion of data centers.
- Electricity demand is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 6-6.5%, driven significantly by the rising adoption of EVs and green hydrogen, contributing 20-25% to the incremental demand.
- The country anticipates an all-time high power generation capacity expansion of 44 GW in FY26, with a total installed capacity nearing 520 GW by March 2026.
- Despite promoting renewable energy, a stable outlook is maintained for the thermal power segment as India undergoes shifts towards cleaner energy generation.
India's energy demand is set to experience substantial growth in the coming years, with a projected increase of 6-6.5% over the next five years. This surge in demand can be attributed to the escalating adoption of electric vehicles, green hydrogen technology, and the expanding capacity of data centers that rely heavily on electricity. According to ICRA, these sectors are expected to contribute significantly to the rise in demand, accounting for 20-25% of the incremental demand from FY26 to FY30. The country aims to achieve an unprecedented power generation capacity expansion of 44 GW in FY26, surpassing the previous record of 34 GW in FY25, with the overall installed capacity reaching nearly 520 GW by March 2026.
Despite the promotion of renewable energy sources like solar power through initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, India's thermal power segment is expected to maintain a stable outlook. This growth in energy demand comes at a time when the power sector faces challenges like the early onset of monsoons, which have led to lower-than-expected power demand and excess coal stockpiles. Nonetheless, this situation has helped keep coal import prices low. As the nation continues its transition towards sustainable energy practices, the focus on EVs, green hydrogen, and data centers remains pivotal in driving the country's energy landscape towards a greener and more efficient future.
Topics
India
Renewable Energy
Electric Vehicles
Economic Outlook
Power Generation
Data Centers
Electricity Market
Sustainable Growth
Energy Demand
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