India’s green shift may accelerate coal power retirement by 2030
India plans to retire its oldest, most polluting coal power plants by 2030, driven by rapid expansion of renewable energy and storage technologies to stabilize the grid. Although coal remains a significant energy source, growing clean energy capacity along with storage solutions aims to support this transition amid challenges of increasing demand and climate variability.
India is moving toward phasing out its most polluting coal power plants by 2030, as stated by Tata Power's CEO, marking a significant shift in the country’s energy landscape. This transition will be underpinned by a surge in renewable energy installations, including solar and wind, paired with storage technologies that enhance grid stability and reliability. Despite coal’s current dominance in India’s energy mix, clean energy capacity is expanding rapidly. Renewable energy, becoming increasingly cost-competitive, coupled with storage solutions, addresses intermittency and helps maintain steady power supply. However, the shift faces challenges, including growing energy demand driven by economic growth and climate variability impacting supply consistency. The planned retirement of older coal plants aligns India with global trends aiming for carbon emission reductions and reflects commitments to meet renewable capacity targets and climate goals. This transition supports India’s broader green shift, balancing energy security with environmental sustainability, although coal power still plays a significant role in meeting immediate demand.
