Scorching summer to push India towards potential power, water crisis?

New Delhi: India is heading toward a potential electricity and water supply crisis this summer as extreme heat conditions intensify, according to a new study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The warning follows forecasts from the India Meteorological Department that the country will experience a severe summer marked by prolonged heatwaves.

The report highlights that rising temperatures are sharply increasing electricity demand, driven primarily by cooling needs. Researchers estimate that peak power demand could touch a record 260 gigawatts this season, surpassing the 250 gigawatts recorded in 2024. While India’s total installed power generation capacity stands at around 500 gigawatts, nearly half of it relies on coal-fired plants, raising concerns about sustainability and supply stability.

Renewable sources such as solar and wind are expected to support daytime demand. However, their intermittent nature has compelled the government to direct coal plants to operate at full capacity to meet nighttime consumption. The situation is further complicated by challenges in importing oil and gas amid the ongoing Iran conflict, adding strain to the country’s energy security.

Beyond electricity, the study warns of a parallel crisis in urban water systems. Extreme heat is likely to disrupt supply, especially as only 28 per cent of India’s wastewater is currently treated and reused. Experts suggest that expanding wastewater reuse for industrial and agricultural purposes could significantly ease pressure on freshwater resources, with an estimated 31,000 million cubic meters of reusable water potential by 2047.

With nearly 76 percent of the population at risk from heatwaves due to climate change, cities such as Delhi have initiated emergency measures, including water tankers and relief centers. However, researchers stress that long-term infrastructure planning remains critical.