Record Renewable Energy Cuts Coal’s Share in India’s Power Mix

India’s renewable energy generation reached a record high in July, reducing coal’s share in the country’s power mix to its lowest level in a year, according to government data. Renewable sources contributed 20% of total electricity generation, producing 36.25 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), up 30% compared to July last year.

Coal’s share in electricity generation fell to 65.7% in July from 69% in June, while solar and wind power crossed the 100-gigawatt mark for the first time. On July 13, renewable sources accounted for a record 42.8% of India’s electricity supply, driven by strong daytime solar generation.

Despite the declining share, coal-fired power generation still rose 12.8% year-on-year due to reduced hydropower output and increased electricity demand caused by El Niño-driven heat. Overall electricity generation in India increased 10.4% from a year earlier to 181.79 billion kWh in July.

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