New Delhi, July 8: India’s peak power demand is set to hit a new high of 300 GW next year on the back of rapid expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles, Power Minister Manohar Lal said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the 12th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2026 in the national capital, the minister highlighted that according to estimates, India has already reached (peak power demand of) 271 GW, and projections suggest the peak may rise even further this year.
India’s peak power demand jumped to a record high of 270.82 GW in May 2026, according to power ministry data.
India’s available capacity has grown to 284 GW, which enables us to meet all types of demand, the minister said.
But with the accelerating pace of electrification, we must prepare for 300 GW peak demand next year, he pointed out.
“India’s peak power demand is set to reach 300 gigawatts next year, driven by the rapid expansion of data centres, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.” As people’s needs rise, energy storage becomes a national imperative, ensuring the power generated can be used whenever and wherever it is needed, he noted.
While earlier, consumption happened instantly upon generation, now, through advanced storage and grid solutions, we can shift and utilise energy according to our needs, he stated. (PTI)
