India’s Top Renewable State Will Still Need More Coal Power by 2036…

Sarah J · 2026-01-20T15:05:07.000Z

India’s leading renewable energy-producing state, Rajasthan, will require around 4,400 megawatts (MW) of additional coal-fired power capacity by 2036 more than double earlier estimates to keep up with growing electricity demand, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters. The updated projection reflects challenges in balancing renewable energy expansion with grid reliability and around-the-clock power needs. Rajasthan today generates nearly 70 % of its electricity from solar and wind sources, benefiting from abundant sunshine and large renewable installations. However, intermittency in solar and wind output and limited availability of large-scale energy storage means renewable sources alone cannot yet guarantee reliable baseload power at all hours. As a result, the state is preparing to retire 1,350 MW of ageing coal plants while signalling that new coal capacity will be necessary to ensure energy security as demand rises. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) the technical body under India’s federal power ministry has revised its earlier estimate of 1,900 MW to the current 4,400 MW, as outlined in a letter to Rajasthan’s power utility. This reflects broader trends across India where rising power consumption and economic growth are driving authorities to retain coal as a key component of the energy mix, even as clean energy goals advance. India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and expand its renewable installed capacity to 500 gigawatts, but energy planners still see significant coal capacity additions as essential to avoid supply shortfalls and manage demand growth through the 2030s. National planning data also indicate a potential 40 % increase in overall coal-fired capacity by 2035 to more than 307 GW to support this balance between reliability and clean energy aspirations. Officials and industry stakeholders emphasise that the inclusion of coal alongside renewables is a pragmatic response to current limitations in storage and grid flexibility, and that future improvements in energy storage technology and smart grid solutions will be crucial to reducing dependence on fossil fuels over time. #EnergyTransition #Renewables #CoalPower #India #Rajasthan #GridReliability #EnergySecurity #ClimateGoals #NetZero #CleanEnergy #MarketExpansion #Infrastructure #StartupEuropeIndiaNetwork

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India’s Top Renewable State Will Still Need More Coal Power by 2036… | SEINET