India's Power Shift: Coal Declines as Solar Surges
India's coal-fired power fell for two consecutive months in September due to lower electricity demand and increased solar generation. This marks a shift as India's economy grows, with solar and hydropower rising. Coal imports and production also decreased, indicating a move towards renewable energy.
India's coal-fired power generation decreased for the second month in a row this September, underscored by slower electricity demand and a surge in solar power output, according to data from the federal grid regulator reviewed by Reuters.
This decline represents a significant shift in fuel usage in India, the world's fastest-growing major economy and its third-largest greenhouse gas emitter. It comes after 47 consecutive months of year-on-year growth in coal usage for power generation. Post-pandemic, India's electricity demand has consistently climbed due to economic expansion and heatwaves, but the monsoon season's heavy rainfall reduced air-conditioning needs, which curbed power consumption.
In the west and north regions, substantial rain in September led to diminished power demand, as highlighted by CRISIL, a division of S&P ratings agency. Concurrently, a surge in solar power installations saw a 26.4% increase in generation, boosting the renewables' share of India's electricity to a record 13.9% this quarter.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
Poland Advances Nuclear Power Plans: IAEA Head Presents Final Report on Infrastructure Review
India Needs Boost in Climate Finance for Renewable Energy Expansion
Himachal Pradesh Approves Pioneering Pumped Storage Projects for Renewable Energy
Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Secures Rs 512 Crore in New Solar Contracts
World Leaders Call for Massive Investment in Renewable Energy