India, Sept. 6 -- India's digital transformation is driving a corresponding rise in energy demand. As data-intensive applications, cloud services and artificial intelligence become embedded across work, commerce, education, entertainment and public services, the country will need substantially more reliable power to sustain its digital ambitions.

The country's relatively low per capita energy consumption should not be mistaken for a sustainability advantage. There is a temptation in some quarters to portray it as a "green" advantage, a sign of an advanced, low-carbon and frugal society. This is a dangerous delusion.

Home to nearly one-fifth of humanity, India currently consumes less than one-tenth of global energy. Its per capita energy...