JAILCD2025-023: Indian Household Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

India is the third-largest contributor to global energy consumption and carbon emissions. With the acceleration of urbanization and the rapid development of the manufacturing industry, its energy demand continues to grow. The residential sector accounts for nearly a quarter of India's energy consumption, so optimizing and transforming residential energy use is critical to achieving its climate goals. In recent years, more and more research has focused on residential energy consumption and its environmental impacts in India. This paper systematically reviews the literature on Indian household energy consumption and related carbon emission, .summarizing key driving factors such as economic factors (household income level, energy price, etc.), policy factors (energy subsidies and reform measures), and social and cultural factors (household size, gender, education level, etc.). The findings reveal significant regional and rural-urban differences in energy use and carbon emission patterns in India, and that the evolution of lifestyles as well as the adoption of technologies have also had a significant impact on energy demand and carbon emissions. This paper identifies critical mechanisms influencing household energy consumption and carbon emissions and proposes future research directions to address data gaps and emerging challenges. It aims to provide a reference for subsequent academic research and practical suggestions for policymakers.