Connection

popular articles

Arctech secures a 2.3 GW solar project in Saudi Arabia, surpassing 15 GW in the MEA region
Mainstream sells 675 MW of wind and solar projects to Celsia in Colombia
Engie strengthens its position in Brazil with a major victory in the 2024 transmission auction
The United States Suspends New Energy Efficiency Standards for Key Household Appliances
The World Bank anticipates a historic drop in oil prices in 2025

India’s coal-fired electricity generation drops 9.5% in May, steepest decline in five years

India’s unprecedented drop in power demand led to a sharp decline in coal-based generation in May, while renewable energy output reached a record high.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

India’s coal-fired electricity generation fell by 9.5% year-on-year in May to 113.3 billion kilowatt-hours, according to data published by Grid India. This marks the steepest decline since June 2020, when nationwide lockdowns were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renewables reach historic peak

This drop occurred amid a broader decline in electricity demand, which decreased by 5.3% year-on-year to 160.4 billion kilowatt-hours. At the same time, renewable energy generation rose by 17.2% to a record 24.7 billion kilowatt-hours, accounting for 15.4% of the power mix — the highest share ever recorded in the country.

Coal’s contribution to power generation fell to 70.7%, down from 74.0% a year earlier, reaching its lowest level since June 2022. Hydropower output also rose by 8.3% year-on-year, reaching 14.5 billion kilowatt-hours and accounting for 9.0% of total generation.

Gas decline intensified by lower competitiveness

Electricity generation from natural gas recorded a sharp 46.5% year-on-year drop to 2.78 billion kilowatt-hours. This represents the steepest fall since October 2022. Gas plants, which were called upon last year during extreme heat, saw reduced use this year due to milder weather and softer demand.

“Gas-based electricity is more expensive and less competitive this year compared to sources like solar, due to lower demand,” said Prashant Vashisth, Vice President at Moody’s affiliate ICRA.

Weakened demand and pricing pressure

India’s imports of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s second and fourth largest respectively, also contracted. This trend is linked to record coal stockpiles within the country and slower demand growth in both China and India. Thermal coal prices in Asia fell to a four-year low due to the combined decline in demand.

Peak demand in India reached 231 gigawatts in May, down 8% from 250 gigawatts in May 2024, which was marked by an exceptional heatwave.

Indian coal trader I-Energy stated in a recent note that the electricity sector’s outlook was shaped by “moderate demand, even during peak periods, and headwinds affecting non-power economic sectors.”

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Pine Gate signs 586 MW deal with Waaree for US-made solar modules
CIB grants $97mn loan for Wedgeport Wind Farm in Nova Scotia
NANO Nuclear strengthens its board with former U.S. Department of Energy official
US crude oil inventories fall by 4.3 million barrels
TotalEnergies strengthens its position in Brazil with additional 3% stake in Lapa field

Recently published in

China approves 11.29 GW of coal in Q1 despite unprecedented decline in 2024

Greenpeace data shows a renewed wave of coal projects in early 2025, as renewable capacity surpasses thermal energy for the first time.
Coal Lawsuit: BlackRock Warns on U.S. Energy Independence
Financial giant BlackRock highlights economic and strategic risks linked to an antitrust procedure backed by Washington, targeting major asset managers accused of conspiring to reduce coal production in the United States.
en_1140290955540-12
Coal Lawsuit: BlackRock Warns on U.S. Energy Independence
Financial giant BlackRock highlights economic and strategic risks linked to an antitrust procedure backed by Washington, targeting major asset managers accused of conspiring to reduce coal production in the United States.
en_1140290955540-12
Adani Power invests $2bn in a 1,500 MW coal power plant in Uttar Pradesh
Adani Power will supply 1,500 MW to Uttar Pradesh through an ultra-supercritical coal power plant built under the DBFOO model, at a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit.
en_1140290945540-5
Adani Power invests $2bn in a 1,500 MW coal power plant in Uttar Pradesh
Adani Power will supply 1,500 MW to Uttar Pradesh through an ultra-supercritical coal power plant built under the DBFOO model, at a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit.
en_1140290945540-5
Australian coal mines emit 40% more methane than reported, according to EMBER and KAYRROS
A satellite analysis led by Ember and Kayrros shows that methane emissions from Australian mines are 40% higher than official reports, revealing significant gaps in the current coal sector monitoring.
en_1140290953540-9
Australian coal mines emit 40% more methane than reported, according to EMBER and KAYRROS
A satellite analysis led by Ember and Kayrros shows that methane emissions from Australian mines are 40% higher than official reports, revealing significant gaps in the current coal sector monitoring.
en_1140290953540-9

Trump signs executive orders to ease coal industry regulations

Donald Trump issues several executive orders aimed at reducing regulations on the U.S. coal industry, addressing economic expectations from coal-producing states while securing national energy supply.
Zambia and Zimbabwe restart coal-fired power plants despite global decline
Backed by Chinese funding, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving coal projects in contrast to international energy sector trends.
en_1140290943540-4
Zambia and Zimbabwe restart coal-fired power plants despite global decline
Backed by Chinese funding, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving coal projects in contrast to international energy sector trends.
en_1140290943540-4
New coal-fired power plant additions fall to 20-year low
New coal-fired electricity capacity added in 2024 dropped to 44 GW, driven mainly by China and India, according to a report released on Thursday.
en_1140291017540
New coal-fired power plant additions fall to 20-year low
New coal-fired electricity capacity added in 2024 dropped to 44 GW, driven mainly by China and India, according to a report released on Thursday.
en_1140291017540
Finland: Helen ends coal use with closure of Salmisaari power plant
Finnish energy company Helen has halted operations at the Salmisaari plant, the country’s last coal facility, halving its carbon dioxide emissions in one year.
TEMPLATE-ENERGYNEWS360
Finland: Helen ends coal use with closure of Salmisaari power plant
Finnish energy company Helen has halted operations at the Salmisaari plant, the country’s last coal facility, halving its carbon dioxide emissions in one year.
TEMPLATE-ENERGYNEWS360

Glencore challenged over major discrepancies in methane emissions at Australian mine

An independent study suggests that the Hail Creek mine may emit up to eight times more methane than reported in Glencore's official disclosures.
Eskom adds 800 MW to South Africa’s grid with Kusile Unit 6
Eskom has connected Unit 6 of the Kusile coal-fired power station, adding 800 MW to the national grid amid efforts to stabilise electricity supply in South Africa.
en_1140290948540-17
Eskom adds 800 MW to South Africa’s grid with Kusile Unit 6
Eskom has connected Unit 6 of the Kusile coal-fired power station, adding 800 MW to the national grid amid efforts to stabilise electricity supply in South Africa.
en_1140290948540-17
India Proposes the Creation of a Coal Exchange for the Domestic Market
The Indian government presents a project to create a coal exchange for the domestic market, a measure aimed at improving transparency and regulating the local coal market.
en_1140290946540-10
India Proposes the Creation of a Coal Exchange for the Domestic Market
The Indian government presents a project to create a coal exchange for the domestic market, a measure aimed at improving transparency and regulating the local coal market.
en_1140290946540-10
The United States withdraws from energy transition plan with South Africa
The United States has announced its withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, thereby reducing the country’s international financial commitments in its gradual exit from coal.
en_1140290960540-5
The United States withdraws from energy transition plan with South Africa
The United States has announced its withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, thereby reducing the country’s international financial commitments in its gradual exit from coal.
en_1140290960540-5

Indonesia introduces a reference price to regulate its coal market from March 2025

Indonesia sets a floor price for coal to strengthen its control over domestic prices and influence international markets. This new strategy will take effect on March 1, 2025.
Indonesia: Growing Dependence on Coal Undermines Climate Commitments
Indonesia continues to strengthen its dependence on coal, jeopardizing its greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments. This paradox is highlighted in a recent report, emphasizing the tension between environmental goals and economic realities.
en_1140290951540-12
Indonesia: Growing Dependence on Coal Undermines Climate Commitments
Indonesia continues to strengthen its dependence on coal, jeopardizing its greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments. This paradox is highlighted in a recent report, emphasizing the tension between environmental goals and economic realities.
en_1140290951540-12
BHP Reports Strong Demand Despite Falling Mineral Prices
Australian mining giant BHP saw its net profit multiply fivefold, reaching $4.4 billion, despite an 8% drop in revenue. Sustained demand and signs of recovery in China strengthen its outlook.
en_1140290945540-11
BHP Reports Strong Demand Despite Falling Mineral Prices
Australian mining giant BHP saw its net profit multiply fivefold, reaching $4.4 billion, despite an 8% drop in revenue. Sustained demand and signs of recovery in China strengthen its outlook.
en_1140290945540-11
China starts new coal plants, jeopardizing its climate goals
In 2024, China began building new coal power plants, a decision that threatens its goal of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030, according to a report published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
en_1140290953540-10
China starts new coal plants, jeopardizing its climate goals
In 2024, China began building new coal power plants, a decision that threatens its goal of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030, according to a report published by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
en_1140290953540-10

Historic Reduction of Coal Share in Australia’s Energy Mix by End of 2024

By the end of 2024, coal's share in Australia's electricity generation dropped below 50%, a historic first, thanks to the surge in solar energy production.
Ukraine Offers Coal to Address Energy Crisis in Transnistria
In the midst of prolonged tensions with Russia, Ukraine offers to provide free coal to Transnistria, a pro-Russian region of Moldova, to alleviate an energy crisis worsened by the cutoff of Russian gas supplies.
en_1140290949540-1
Ukraine Offers Coal to Address Energy Crisis in Transnistria
In the midst of prolonged tensions with Russia, Ukraine offers to provide free coal to Transnistria, a pro-Russian region of Moldova, to alleviate an energy crisis worsened by the cutoff of Russian gas supplies.
en_1140290949540-1
The closure of the Pokrovsk mine: a major blow to Ukraine’s economy and defense
The Pokrovsk mine, Ukraine's sole coke producer, closes under Russian military pressure. This decision threatens the steel industry, the economy, and Ukraine's strategic logistics.
en_11401267540
The closure of the Pokrovsk mine: a major blow to Ukraine’s economy and defense
The Pokrovsk mine, Ukraine's sole coke producer, closes under Russian military pressure. This decision threatens the steel industry, the economy, and Ukraine's strategic logistics.
en_11401267540
China and the Future of Coal: A Plateau at 8.77 Billion Tonnes by 2027
As coal reaches a historic peak in 2024, renewable energy reshapes global dynamics. In China, where one-third of the world’s coal is consumed, the energy transition remains a pivotal factor for the sector's future.
en_11401236540
China and the Future of Coal: A Plateau at 8.77 Billion Tonnes by 2027
As coal reaches a historic peak in 2024, renewable energy reshapes global dynamics. In China, where one-third of the world’s coal is consumed, the energy transition remains a pivotal factor for the sector's future.
en_11401236540

Australia Projects 163 Million Tons of Metallurgical Coal Exports for 2024-25

Australia revises its metallurgical coal export forecast to reach 163 million tons for the 2024-25 fiscal year. However, revenues are expected to decline due to falling global market prices.
Global coal demand reaches record in 2024 but stabilizes until 2027, says IEA
Global coal demand peaked at 8.77 billion tons in 2024. Thanks to the rise of renewable energy, it is expected to stabilize by 2027, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
en_1140951540
Global coal demand reaches record in 2024 but stabilizes until 2027, says IEA
Global coal demand peaked at 8.77 billion tons in 2024. Thanks to the rise of renewable energy, it is expected to stabilize by 2027, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
en_1140951540
The Binchang Project: The 660 MW Ultra-Supercritical CFB Boiler Reignites the Debate on Coal’s Future
In China, Harbin Electric Corporation inaugurates a 660 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired CFB boiler, blending technological innovation and ecological management. A project that raises questions as coal declines globally.
en_1140892540
The Binchang Project: The 660 MW Ultra-Supercritical CFB Boiler Reignites the Debate on Coal’s Future
In China, Harbin Electric Corporation inaugurates a 660 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired CFB boiler, blending technological innovation and ecological management. A project that raises questions as coal declines globally.
en_1140892540
Chinas Coal Imports in November Rise by 19% Thanks to Long-Term Contracts
China's coal imports increased by 19% in November compared to October, reaching nearly 55 million tons. This growth is driven by stable supply from long-term contracts, despite muted spot demand.
en_1140851540
Chinas Coal Imports in November Rise by 19% Thanks to Long-Term Contracts
China's coal imports increased by 19% in November compared to October, reaching nearly 55 million tons. This growth is driven by stable supply from long-term contracts, despite muted spot demand.
en_1140851540

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS