India's economy is set to increasingly rely on coal-fired power generation due to inadequate solar energy supply. It is projecting its most significant power shortfall in 14 years for June's night-time hours. Despite existing coal and solar plants meeting daytime demands, a shortage looms after sunset as hydroelectric output falls sharply and renewable energy generation stagnates. India is deferring maintenance and reopening 5 gigawatts of idle coal capacity to avoid outages.
According to the Institute for Energy and Research, the power ministry recently invoked emergency measures to operate gas-based and imported coal-based plants at full capacity.
Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration aimed to slow coal growth in favor of green energy per the Paris Accord, the need for reliable energy has pushed plans for new coal plants forward. Private firms, including Adani Power and JSW Group, plan to expand or revive stalled coal projects to add 80 gigawatts of coal capacity by 2032.
Currently, coal-fired plants account for half of India's total installed capacity but generate about 75% of its electricity. The intermittency of solar power limits its capacity factor to around 20%, compared to coal’s 80% or more.
India’s ambitious solar projects, like the world’s largest floating solar plant in Madhya Pradesh, have faced setbacks, including damage from moderate winds, highlighting renewable energy's vulnerabilities.
Despite efforts to reduce emissions and reliance on coal, India’s growing energy demands and economic needs underscore their ongoing dependence on coal-fired power.
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