Is India’s Coal Dependency Holding Back the Energy Transition?

India is rapidly growing as one of the world’s largest energy consumers. While the country has made strong progress in renewable energy, coal continues to dominate its energy mix. Around 70 percent of India’s electricity still comes from coal, making it difficult to move away from fossil fuels.

The government has set ambitious targets for solar, wind, and green hydrogen. However, the rising demand for electricity, especially during peak seasons, forces a continued reliance on coal. Even new coal plants are being approved to avoid power shortages.

This heavy coal use creates a challenge. On one hand, it supports energy security and economic growth. On the other, it slows down the shift to clean energy and contributes to high emissions.

For India to lead a sustainable energy future, investment in renewable infrastructure must grow. Policies need to support storage solutions and grid upgrades. Until coal’s role is reduced, the full potential of the energy transition will remain out of reach.