India’s Power Generation: Coal Dominates, but Renewables on the Rise

Total Installed Capacity Reaches 453 GW, with Coal Leading the Way

Introduction:

The electricity generation in India is changing significantly. There is a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. By September 30, 2024, the total installed power plant capacity reached 453 GW. Of this, coal-based units accounted for 48% (217 GW). Solar energy was second with 91 GW. Wind, hydro, nuclear, and other sources followed. In 2023-24, India’s power plants generated 1734 billion units of electricity. Coal-based plants generated over 70% of this. Fossil fuel-based plants have a high plant load factor (PLF). Renewable energy sources like solar and wind suffer from intermittency.

Types of Energy Sources

Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants. It is classified into three main types based on its carbon content and heat value:

• Anthracite: The hardest and cleanest form of coal, with the highest carbon content and heat value (HHV).
• Bituminous: A softer form of coal with a lower HHV than anthracite.
• Lignite: The softest and least dense form of coal, with the lowest HHV.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. The efficiency of PV cells has been steadily increasing, with current-generation modules reaching up to 22%.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is the process of capturing wind’s kinetic energy using wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. The efficiency of wind turbines depends on various factors, including wind speed and turbine design.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy generation through nuclear fission, the splitting of atomic nuclei. India has a growing nuclear power program, with several reactors under construction.

Hydro Energy

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Harnessing the power of flowing water, typically using dams to store water and release it to drive turbines, produces hydro energy. India has a significant hydropower potential, especially in the Himalayas.

Bioenergy

Biomass energy is derived from biomass, which includes plant materials, agricultural waste, and animal manure. Bioenergy can be produced through various methods, such as combustion, gasification, and fermentation.

India’s Commitment to Renewable Energy

India has set ambitious goals for renewable energy. It aims to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030. It also wants to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. These goals are part of India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Coal still dominates India’s electricity generation. However, the country is making significant progress in renewable energy development. The increasing share of renewables is crucial for India’s energy security and environment. As technology improves and costs decrease, renewable energy sources will play a bigger role in India’s energy mix in the future.

Sources: https://iced.niti.gov.in/energy/electricity/generation