India faces severe energy poverty, requiring a doubling of energy capacity and generation by 2030. This urgent need makes coal irreplaceable in the short term, though efforts to transition to cleaner energy are underway.
Currently, coal dominates with 217.5 GW of the total 440 GW installed capacity. However, its share is gradually declining. Fossil fuels, including coal, lignite, and gas, now generate 77% of India’s power but are projected to drop to 56% by 2030. Meanwhile, renewable energy is gaining ground. Its contribution, currently at 13%, is expected to surge to 32% by the same year.
India’s green transition aims to tackle energy poverty and mitigate climate change. The challenge lies in expanding infrastructure, making energy clean, and ensuring affordability. The government has set ambitious targets to achieve 50% of its energy capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, an effort aligned with reducing emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels.
India has already increased its renewable energy capacity target from 175 GW by 2022 to 500 GW by 2030. This bold move reflects the nation’s commitment to addressing climate challenges.
Solar energy is expected to play a pivotal role, supplying 23% of total power by 2030, while renewables will form 44% of the country’s projected 777 GW capacity.
The transition is both ambitious and essential. As India’s power demand is set to multiply 2-2.5 times by 2047, the stakes are high. Meeting these goals will not only reduce reliance on coal but also enable the country to harness sustainable energy solutions for a greener future. By prioritizing clean energy, India can balance its economic growth with environmental sustainability. The shift is challenging but achievable, paving the way for a brighter and cleaner energy landscape by 2030.
Reference- Down To Earth, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)