By 2027, 57% of energy produced in India will be renewable. This was revealed in the National Power Plan published by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This goal represents a 42% increase from previously where the nation aimed for a 42% renewable component in its energy mix, by 2030.

According to the new plan released by the CEA, announced coal-fired plants in construction (50 GW) will be necessary for the grid only starting from 2022 or 2027, and will run only at half capacity. The plan thus excludes the construction of additional coal-fired plants.

The change in India’s power strategy was mainly spurred by costs of development for renewable power plants dropping. Solar’s cost slumped by 80% since 2011 and should cost as much as coal by 2019. Cette évolution de la politique énergétique du pays, qui le deuxième consommateur de charbon au monde après la Chine, est due en grande partie à la réduction des coûts de mise en œuvre des centrales d’énergies renouvelables. Ainsi, le solaire a vu son coût diminuer de 80% depuis 2011 et devrait être au même coût que le charbon indien d’ici 2019.

It is important to mention that India is behind China, the world’s largest coal consumer.

Gwladys Johnson