India Expands Coal Power Capacity By 7.2 Gigawatts Ensuring Grid Stability
India has added 7.2 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power capacity in the current fiscal year, marking the largest annual increase in a decade. This expansion strengthens grid stability and secures the nation’s energy supply amid rising electricity demand. Officials describe the surge as part of a broader strategy to ensure reliable baseload power while maintaining flexibility for future energy growth.
Data presented in Parliament by the Deputy Power Minister highlights that India’s new coal capacity has already outpaced last year’s additions by nearly 60%. Analysts note that this is the highest level of coal commissioning since 2016, signalling a continued reliance on coal as the backbone of the country’s electricity system. The move comes amid global energy uncertainties, emphasising the need for domestic energy security.India currently derives about 60% of its electricity from coal-fired plants, and the government intends to sustain this share in the near term. The Ministry of Power has set a target of 307 GW of coal capacity by 2035, balancing rising energy demand with grid reliability. Officials caution that decisions beyond 2035 remain under review, leaving open the possibility of further capacity growth if national energy needs expand.
Recent reports suggest authorities are evaluating a longer-term expansion plan, potentially adding coal capacity until at least 2047. If implemented, this could see India’s coal-fired capacity reach 420 GW, nearly doubling today’s level and representing an 87% increase from 2025. Energy experts emphasise that while this would reinforce immediate electricity security, it also raises questions about India’s long-term climate commitments and the need for cleaner technologies.Coal power continues to play a critical role in India’s transition strategy, offering stable electricity supply while renewable infrastructure scales up. Urban planners and energy analysts advocate integrating advanced technologies such as supercritical and ultra-supercritical coal plants to improve efficiency and reduce emissions intensity. Parallel investments in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy-efficient systems are viewed as essential to creating sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient cities.
The ongoing coal expansion illustrates India’s balancing act: meeting short-term energy security, supporting economic growth, and gradually steering toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. As coal remains central to India’s power mix, policymakers highlight that complementing it with cleaner energy solutions will be key to building resilient urban centres that serve both people and the planet.
