World goes electric, India holds back

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, is currently underway in Antalya, Turkey, with electrification as a central topic of discussion. Turkey has set a target of 35% electrification by 2035, and 14 countries have already committed to the pledge, including Australia, Ethiopia, Germany, the UK, Norway, Finland, South Korea, Pakistan, Zambia, Eswatini, and Togo. However, India has not yet joined the initiative.

India's electricity network is nearly universal, with 100% of households connected to the grid. However, electricity accounts for only 19% of final energy consumption, which rises to 23% when commercial energy use is included. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that India's electricity share in final energy consumption could surge to 32% by 2035, primarily driven by electric transport. This growth is feasible using current technologies.

While India's electricity consumption is below the global average of 23%, the country's rising demand, expected to increase at 5-6% annually, and its domestic energy policies could still see it join the electrification pledge. India's hesitation to commit may stem from its reluctance to set new targets and its concerns about potential clean energy specifications.

India faces several obstacles in enhancing its electricity share in final consumption. Grid infrastructure challenges, high initial costs, and technical constraints for heavy industries are among the primary reasons for the delay. Despite near-universal household connections and progressive policies, India must overcome these hurdles to increase its electrification rate.