New Delhi: India has recorded a sharp rise in renewable energy generation in July, reducing coal’s share in the national power mix to the lowest level in one year.
Renewable energy has accounted for 20 percent of total electricity generation during the month, reaching 36.25 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh). This marks an increase of 30 percent compared with the same period last year, reflecting strong growth in solar and wind output.
The surge in clean energy production coincides with a milestone in capacity and supply. Combined solar and wind generation exceeded 100 gigawatts for the first time, contributing to a record 42.8 percent share of India’s electricity supply on July 13. This peak highlights the expanding role of renewables in meeting rising energy demand.
Coal-fired power generation continues to grow in absolute terms but at a slower pace relative to renewables. Output from coal has risen by about 12.8 percent year-on-year to 119.40 billion kWh in July. Despite this increase, coal’s proportion in the overall energy mix has declined due to faster growth in renewable sources.
Hydropower generation moves in the opposite direction, falling for a second consecutive month. The output reaches 22.1 percent of the total mix, affected by lower rainfall linked to El Nino conditions, which alters weather patterns and increased temperatures across parts of the country.
India’s total electricity generation has climbed 10.4 percent year-on-year to 181.79 billion kWh in July, indicating sustained growth in consumption alongside a gradual shift towards cleaner energy sources. This trend reflects increasing demand driven by economic activity and seasonal power needs.
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