India's Energy Future: Coal Strategy Beyond 2035

India plans to maintain its coal power capacity at 307 GW by 2035, without current expansion beyond this point. The focus is on integrating clean energy, understanding demand growth, and addressing grid challenges. Long-term contracts with coal-fired generators continue amidst stable energy demand projections.

India's energy strategy sees no immediate plans to expand coal power generation capacity beyond 2035, a senior power ministry official confirmed on Sunday. Speaking at a ministry event, Pankaj Agarwal, the power ministry's secretary, remarked that by 2035, India's coal capacity is set to reach 307 gigawatts.

Agarwal emphasized that premature decisions are avoided until 2035. This year, India proposed a 46% increase in coal power capacity, bringing it to 307 GW, while targeting a non-fossil fuel capacity doubling to 500 GW by 2030, aligning with energy demands.

India faces challenges with grid integration due to surplus clean energy. The current focus is on evaluating these grid issues, battery storage costs, and understanding power demand trends before deciding on potential additional coal capacity post-2035.

(With inputs from agencies.)