India's Energy Challenge: Fossil Fuels Still Key Amid Rapid Renewable Growth

India ramped up coal and gas-fired electricity generation to meet record demand during heatwaves in May and June, highlighting its reliance on fossil fuels despite rapid growth in renewables. The country’s fossil fuel generators met 80% of the increased load, supported by stable transmission and ample fuel supplies.

India significantly increased coal and gas-fired electricity generation to meet record demand during the prolonged heatwaves in May and June. This step underscores the nation's ongoing reliance on fossil fuels, despite rapid advancements in renewable energy.

During these months, the transmission network accommodated a record load of 309 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), up from 275 billion kWh in the previous year. Coal-fired generators produced a record 233 billion kWh, while gas-fired generators boosted their output substantially to 10 billion kWh.

State-owned and private-sector gas generators, responding to government directives and falling gas prices, exceeded planned outputs. Fewer periods of under-frequency indicated improved grid reliability, with fossil fuel generators satisfying over 80% of increased demand during the heatwave.

(With inputs from agencies.)