India achieved its all-time highest peak electricity demand of 256.1 GW on 25 April 2026, without any shortage, while simultaneously maintaining electricity exports to neighbouring countries. Nearly one-third of the record peak demand of 256 GW was met through renewable energy, said the Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi.
India achieved its all-time highest peak electricity demand of 256.1 GW on 25 April 2026. This milestone surpassed the previous all-time high of 250 GW recorded on 30 June 2024 and the peak of 245.4 GW recorded on 9 January 2026. April 2026 saw a rise in electricity demand due to scorching summer conditions across the country, leading to 8.9 per cent growth in electricity consumption.
During this time of peak demand, the requirement for electricity was met through major renewable sources, including thermal, hydro, gas, nuclear, wind, and others. Renewable energy, particularly solar energy, made a huge contribution in meeting this milestone.
How did India achieve its all-time highest peak electricity demand in 2026?
Here is the breakdown of the sources of energy that enabled India meet its all-time highest peak electricity demand in April 2026:
Thermal Power (Coal/Lignite) contributed 66.9 per cent of total peak power generation, accounting for approx. 1,74,565 MW).
Solar energy contributed 21.5 per cent of peak power generation, accounting for 56,204 MW.
Hydro power generated 4.4 per cent of the peak electricity generation, approximately 11,422 MW.
Nuclear energy added 2.4 per cent of the peak electricty demand, approximately 6,293 MW.
Gas-based power contributed 2 per cent of the total peak demand, accounting for 5,205 MW.
Wind energy contributed 1.9 per cent of the total peak electricity demand, approximately 4,897 MW.
Storage, including Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) contributed 0.1 per cent, approximately 201 MW, to the peak power demand.
Other sources of energies contributed about 0.8 per cent, approx. 2,110 MW to the peak power generation.
India's Renewable Energy Outlook
Recently in July 2025, India achieved its goal of sourcing 50 per cent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its target.
As of 31 March 2026, India's total non-fossil fuel energy capacity is at 283.46 GW.
This includes 274.68 GW Renewable Energy (150.26 GW Solar Power, 56.09 GW Wind Power, 11.75 GW Bio Energy, 5.17 GW Small Hydro Power, 51.41 GW Large Hydro Power) and 8.78 GW Nuclear Power capacity.
India is the world's third-largest country in renewable energy installation capacity, trailing just behind China and the US, as per the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
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