Blurb: The record-breaking monthly renewable power output jumped 30 percent year-on-year to 36.25 billion kWh
New Delhi
Renewable energy generation in India reached a record high in July, while coal’s share in the country’s electricity mix fell to its lowest level in a year, highlighting the rapid growth of solar and wind power.
Government data showed that renewable energy accounted for 20 per cent of India’s electricity-generation mix during the month. Renewable power output rose 30 per cent year-on-year to 36.25 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), the highest monthly generation recorded so far.
Coal’s share declined to 65.7 per cent in July, compared with 69 per cent in June, according to calculations based on Grid-India data. However, coal-fired electricity generation increased 12.8 per cent year-on-year to 119.40 billion kWh, driven by strong power demand and lower hydropower availability.
Combined solar and wind capacity crossed the 100-gigawatt mark for the first time and supplied a record 42.8 per cent of India’s electricity on July 13. Analysts said solar power is playing an increasingly important role in meeting rising daytime demand.
Meanwhile, hydropower generation declined for the second consecutive month due to lower rainfall and reduced water availability. Hydropower’s share in the electricity mix fell to 22.1 per cent.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that reduced hydropower output and rising demand could create a generation gap of nearly 18 billion kWh, potentially increasing reliance on coal-fired power in the coming months.
Renewables hit record share in India
- Renewable energy hits record 20% share
- Solar and wind capacity cross 100 GW
- Coal share drops despite higher output
- Hydropower generation declines for second month
- Strong power demand drives generation growth
