India

India is a powerhouse of clean energy solutions and a leader in energy efficiency. From 2015 to 2020, India reduced its energy intensity by an average of 2.3% per year, outpacing the global average. However, this falls short of the global improvements rates needed until 2030 to achieve SDG 7.3 (3.4%) and global Net-Zero by 2050 (4%).

Further expediting energy efficiency improvements is essential for India to decarbonize its economy. With electricity demand expected to reach 260 GW this year, a 7% increase from 2023, India is also pursuing an ambitious goal of integrating 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The country is also committed to the global goal of doubling the energy efficiency improvement rate by 2030.

Meeting these demands will require increased efficiency in end-use sectors and demand flexibility to ensure a low-carbon, reliable power supply. Clean energy investment in India has surged in recent years, reaching USD 68 billion in 2023—nearly a 40% increase from the 2016-2020 average, with almost half allocated to low-emissions power generation.

However, to align with the IEA's Net-Zero by 2050 scenario, India must significantly boost its investments in energy end-use, from approximately USD 20 billion in 2024 to USD 78 billion annually from 2026 to 2030. Enhancing energy efficiency delivers widespread benefits for people.

It provides higher comfort within households, boosts competitiveness for businesses, makes cities more livable with cleaner transport and better air quality, and ensures more power for essential services like hospitals and schools. Energy-efficient lives enhance citizens' empowerment, satisfaction, pride, and living standards. India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) emphasizes energy efficiency as a vital component of environmentally conscious lifestyles, resource preservation, and climate targets.