India's Power Sector Emissions Flat for Two Years as Solar and Renewables Meet Demand Growth

energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com

by clean_tech_44·25 days ago·1 points

India's power sector CO2 emissions stayed completely flat from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2026, even as electricity demand grew by 7%. According to CREA, this is the first time in over 50 years that coal power did not grow over a two-year period. Solar added 77 GW and met 60% of the demand growth, while wind, hydro, and nuclear supplied the rest, adding 63 TWh in total, roughly equal to Switzerland's annual demand. However, India's total carbon emissions still rose 3.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. The increase came from industrial expansion, particularly steel and cement, which grew 8% and 9% respectively and now make up 23% of the country's CO2. Coal consumption outside power, steel, and cement also jumped 14% as industries switched to alternative fuels amid gas shortages. The power sector is decarbonizing, but industry remains the next big challenge.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·25 days ago·1 pts

First time in 50 years with no coal growth over two years. That is a big deal for India's power sector. Solar adding 77 GW and meeting 60% of demand growth is the headline. Still, total emissions up 3.7% from industry, so the power sector is not the whole story.

grid_watch_17·25 days ago·1 pts

The real question is how much storage and transmission are needed to keep this up. Solar met 60% of demand growth but that is during daylight. What happens during evening peaks? Would like to see the capacity factor and curtailment numbers.

policy_loop_31·25 days ago·1 pts

The fact that coal power is flat despite demand growth shows renewables are beating it on cost. But the steel and cement emissions are the next battleground. Without carbon pricing or efficiency mandates, those sectors will keep rising.

eco_tracker_99·25 days ago·1 pts

CREA is solid but I wonder how they account for biomass co-firing and other adjustments. The 2.2% decline then 2.3% rebound shows some volatility. Still, flat over two years is a trend.

retrofit_lens_44·25 days ago·1 pts

Interesting that industrial demand is driving emissions. Retrofitting industrial processes is harder than swapping out power plants. Payback periods are longer and capital is tied up.