Coal remains India's single largest electricity source, generating 1,281 billion units in FY26—an increase of 53% from 835 billion units in FY15.
The drop is the steepest in four years, indicating consumption has outpaced replenishment.
Coal stocks fell 22.8% in 2025, 31.8% in 2024 and 36.8% in 2023, showing a clear downward trend.
Renewable generation has surged: solar leapt from 4.6 billion units in FY15 to 174.8 billion units in FY26, while wind rose from 33.8 to 106.7 billion units.
The Ministry of Power has warned that the shortage could trigger load shedding, prompting a review of import contracts and emergency storage plans.
Power plant operator at Uttar Pradesh’s Gwalior plant noted, “We’re already reallocating fuel and cutting back on non‑essential operations to keep the grid steady.”