India’s solar boom reverses gas momentum, cements coal use
India’s rapid advances in solar power production have been widely celebrated for showing how fast-developing economies can accelerate the decarbonisation of their energy systems without jeopardising economic growth. But while the pace of India’s solar rollout has been impressive, the advances have come mainly at the expense of natural gas – they have had little impact on the country’s use of coal as the primary source of electricity.
Indeed, India increased the amount of electricity generated from coal in the opening 10 months of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, and slashed gas-powered generation by nearly 40%, according to data from Ember. This has resulted in a continuing climb in India’s power sector emissions, even as solar’s share of the country’s electricity generation mix has more than doubled since 2019.
SOLAR SURGE
India Solar Capacity
Between 2017 and 2021, India’s solar power production capacity more than tripled, ranking third globally in terms of solar capacity additions during that window, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy.
And the country plans to more than double that solar capacity base again by 2025, leaving it highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a key driver behind its recent dramatic upward revision to its global renewable energy supply outlook.
India Solar Capacity Future
India Electricity Sources
