New Delhi: India will need at least 600 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, higher than the government’s current target of 500 GW, to stay ahead of rising electricity demand driven by cooling needs, urban expansion, and the rapid growth of data centres, a Delhi-based thinktank said in a new report.

The assessment by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) draws on a projection by the Central Electricity Authority, which estimates that electricity demand would grow 5.8 per cent annually from 2022 to 2030 . The report considers this to be true for a moderate demand scenario, but India’s demand for energy is expected to grow substantially more. To prevent future shortages, reduce procurement costs and keep emissions in check, CEEW recommends build

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