
3 May 2024
India has achieved a historic milestone in its clean energy journey!
For the first time ever, the share of coal in the country's electricity generation capacity has dipped below 50%.
Let's unpack this groundbreaking achievement:
Coal Crumbles, Renewables Rise:
Clean Sweep:Â Â Renewable energy (RE) sources like solar and wind power now account for over 33% of India's total installed electricity capacity.
Coal Conquers No More:Â Â Coal's dominance has finally waned, dropping from over 50% to nearly 49.2% in just one year.
Record-Breaking Renewables:Â Â A whopping 71% of the new power generation capacity added in 2023-24 came from renewable sources.
Solar Steals the Show:
Solar Surge:Â Â Solar power, including rooftop installations, led the renewable energy charge, contributing a massive 81% of the new RE capacity.
Wind Picks Up Speed:Â Â Wind power capacity also saw a healthy increase, jumping from 2.3 GW to nearly 3.3 GW.
Driving Forces Behind the Green Shift:
Cost-Effective Clean Energy:Â Â Renewables are now significantly cheaper than conventional sources like coal, making them a more attractive option.
Storage Solutions Emerge:Â Â Advancements in energy storage technologies are making renewable energy more reliable and dispatchable.
Government Push:Â Â India's ambitious renewable energy targets and supportive policies are accelerating the clean energy transition.
A Brighter Future with Clean Energy:
Climate Change Commitment:Â Â This milestone brings India closer to achieving its goal of 50% non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030.
Sustainable Growth:Â Â The increasing reliance on clean energy will help India reduce its carbon footprint and ensure a sustainable energy future.
Meeting Growing Demand:Â Â Despite the shift towards renewables, India's peak power demand continues to rise, highlighting the need for a balanced and efficient energy mix.
India's historic achievement in surpassing coal with renewables is a beacon of hope in the global fight against climate change. This green milestone paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for India and inspires other nations to follow suit!