en.Wedoany.com Reported - India's coal-fired power generation in June rose 14% year-on-year to 120.2 billion kWh, driven by higher electricity demand due to hot and dry weather.

This marks the highest share of coal-fired power in India's electricity mix since November 2023. During the same period, wind and solar power accounted for 19% of India's electricity mix, with an annual growth rate of 23%, according to data from India's grid operator. Analysts at credit rating agency ICRA stated that although India is adding new wind and solar capacity to diversify its energy sources, coal-fired power output is expected to remain strong this year due to a decline in hydropower generation caused by dry weather linked to the El Niño phenomenon. Hydropower output in June fell 24.4% year-on-year.

Natural gas-fired power generation saw an even larger decline of 30.1%, possibly related to high natural gas prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. Japan also reduced natural gas-fired power generation last month, shifting toward increased coal-fired power. Earlier this year, forecasting agencies indicated that India's coal demand could surge by 11.5% in the second quarter due to peak summer cooling demand, with coal-fired power plants expected to require 233 million tonnes of coal and generate 13.3% more electricity. India's peak summer electricity demand is projected to reach 270 GW, surpassing the historical record of 250 GW set in May 2024.

In the long term, coal demand is also expected to remain strong. A government-affiliated think tank noted earlier this year that under current energy policies, India's coal demand could double from 1.256 billion tonnes in 2025 to 2.615 billion tonnes by 2050. Even by 2070, coal demand is expected to remain above 2025 levels.