India Fires up Coal Use and Emissions During Election, Heat Wave

India's coal-fired electricity generation and power sector emissions hit record highs during the first quarter as above-average temperatures spurred higher air conditioner use and economic expansion drove greater overall power consumption.

Coal-fired electricity output hit 338 terawatt hours during the first quarter of 2024, according to think tank Ember, which marked a 9.6% rise from the same quarter in 2023.

Total power sector emissions climbed by the same degree to a record 316 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and equivalent gases.

India's record coal-fired generation in Q1 2024 has pushed power sector emissions to new highs

The country's power sector discharged a record 108 million tons of CO2 in March alone, and has emitted more than 100 million tons of CO2 each month so far in 2024, a record stretch for the country's power suppliers.

An extended heat wave throughout much of the country has likely resulted in even higher coal-fired generation since March, as power firms attempt to avert outages during the ongoing general election.

INTENSE HEAT

A key driver of the high levels of coal use has been the extended stretch of above-normal temperatures across much of the country.

Recorded high temperatures in the northern state of Haryana, which borders the country's capital New Delhi, have averaged 38.7 degrees Celsius (101.6 degrees Fahrenheit) since April 1, 9.2 C or 31% above the long-term average, according to LSEG data.

Temperature readings in Haryana, Northern India March-May 2024

In New Delhi itself, recorded high temperatures have surpassed 35 C (95 F) on 26 of the 38 days since April 1, with temperatures averaging around 15% above normal, according to the Weather Underground data service.

Recorded temperatures in New Delhi in 2024

The mean temperature in eastern India during April was 28.12 C (82.61 F), the highest since records began in 1901, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Such a prolonged heat wave has resulted in at least nine deaths and reduced voter turnout at election offices as people sought refuge during the hottest parts of the day.

COOL DRIVE

A key means of keeping cool is through the use of air conditioners, which are power-hungry devices that are becoming increasingly popular in homes and businesses throughout the country.