India Plans No New Coal Power Capacity Beyond 2035
India has stated that it has no immediate plans to add coal-based power capacity after 2035, according to Power Ministry Secretary Pankaj Agarwal. He said that the country aims to maintain 307 GW of coal capacity by 2035, adding that it is too early to outline any targets beyond that year. The government’s focus, he added, remains on securing the country’s energy needs while balancing the transition to cleaner sources.
India had earlier proposed a 46% increase in coal power capacity from the current 210 GW, alongside doubling non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. However, concerns around grid stability—especially when excess green energy is integrated—have influenced the decision to pause expansion beyond 2035. Authorities say they will first assess demand growth, grid challenges, and renewable storage costs before making further commitments.
Despite coal’s share in electricity generation falling in most months of the year due to milder weather, utilities are still entering into long-term contracts with coal generators to handle peak evening demand. This reflects how India continues to rely on coal as a backup, even as it accelerates its shift toward renewables.
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