India’s Heatwave Spurs Record Fossil Fuel Generation Despite Renewable Growth

India increased coal and gas-fired electricity generation to meet record demand during the May-June heatwave. This highlights the grid's dependence on fossil fuels, even with rapid renewable energy capacity expansion. Despite high fossil fuel use, extensive planning and resource stockpiling improved grid reliability during peak demand periods.

India ramped up coal and gas-fired power generation to meet unprecedented electricity demand during the heatwave in May and June. The surge underscores the nation's reliance on fossil fuels despite rapid growth in renewable energy capacity.

The transmission network handled record power loads of 309 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) during these two months, a significant increase from previous years. Coal-fired generation rose to 233 billion kWh, while gas-fired generation hit 10 billion kWh, the highest since 2020.

Extensive planning and resource stockpiling ensured grid reliability, even as airconditioning and refrigeration demands soared. India's power plants operated at maximum capacity, aided by improved coal and gas stocks, maintaining a stable transmission network and reducing periods of grid under-frequency.

(With inputs from agencies.)