In the first half of the year, India saw a slowdown in solar power generation growth, while coal generation increased by 10.4%, according to data from India’s federal grid regulator cited by Reuters. This marked the slowest growth in solar output in six years, reflecting a surge in coal generation driven by rising demand. As a result, hydrocarbons accounted for 77.1% of India’s energy mix during this period.
Despite being a global leader in solar panel production, India faced challenges meeting electricity demand during the hot months following a record 400% surge in solar capacity additions in the first quarter, reaching a total of 10 GW. The grid operator’s data showed coal as the primary source used to meet the increased demand.
During this period, both solar and coal generation expanded, although hydropower output declined. Coal consumption hit a record high of 338 terawatt-hours in the first quarter, as reported by climate NGO Ember.
Coal’s share in India’s power generation rose to 77% in early April, up by approximately 2 percentage points from the same period in 2023, according to data from India’s Grid Controller cited by Bloomberg. Despite efforts to boost solar capacity as part of its energy transition strategy, India continues to rely on coal for about 70% of its energy needs.
In an effort to reduce dependence on imported coal, India has also ramped up domestic production, with a 14.5% increase to 84.63 million tons recorded last month.