July 28, 2026: India’s solar and wind electricity generation surged by over 25% in the first half of 2026, lifting their share in the country’s power supply mix to 16.5% from 14% a year earlier, as renewables overtook coal to become the world’s largest source of electricity generation, according to the International Energy Agency.

Solar generation in India rose by more than 30% during January-June, while wind output increased by slightly less than 10%. The expansion, however, coincided with a 3.5% rise in coal-fired generation as the country met stronger electricity demand and a record peak load of 270.8 GW in late May.

At the same time, gas-fired generation decreased by about 15%, compared to H1 2025, and was more than 40% below H1 2024 levels.

Strong Industrial Demand

India’s electricity consumption grew around 6% in the first half, driven by stronger industrial and services activity and heatwaves between mid-April and early June. Demand rose 11% year-on-year in May, when solar supplied 60 GW, or 22% of the daytime peak. The IEA expects India’s full-year demand growth to rebound to 7% in 2026 from 1.6% in 2025.

“Renewables are overtaking coal as the world’s largest source of electricity generation,” the IEA said, after the two reached near parity in 2025.

(Source: Financial Express)