Overview
- Coal-fired generation jumped about 14% year-on-year in June to roughly 120.20 billion kWh, the highest level since November 2023 and a key driver of a 10.4% rise in total electricity output for the month.
- Hydropower output fell sharply in June, down about 19–24% year-on-year depending on the dataset, as a strong El Niño delivered one of the driest Junes on record and kept demand for cooling and irrigation elevated.
- India’s 223 GW thermal fleet burned more coal than was supplied in April–May, consuming 156.8 million tonnes versus 147.2 mt delivered and producing a drawdown in inventories, even as Coal India raised dispatches by 7.5% in June.
- The federal grid regulator on June 29 asked gas-fired stations to arrange fuel for anticipated extra generation in July, reflecting lower gas output (down about 25–30% year-on-year) and a need for flexible backup during evening peak hours.
- Renewables hit a record 19% share of the mix in June with generation up 23% year-on-year, but limited battery storage means wind and solar cannot yet replace flexible thermal capacity for night-time peaks, which may keep coal demand high near term.