According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, the current season is projected to see an increase in the burning of fossil fuels in India, especially coal and gas, as hot conditions across various regions have increased peak power demand

Additionally, according to a Reuters examination of government statistics, the nation's electricity generation rose at the fastest rate in more than three decades in fiscal 2022–23, causing a steep increase in emissions as output from both coal-fired and renewable plants touched records.

North-western and central India experienced their hottest April in approximately 122 years in 2023, according to S&P Global's energy and commodities tracker. This indicates a significant heatwave and highlights the intensifying impact of climate change.

S&P Global Commodity Insights' statement

‘’Power demand is set to spike as the country’s reliance on fossil fuel burn including coal and gas is expected to surge to cope with the sizzling summer and avert power outages,'' said S&P Global Commodity Insights. In addition to taking human lives, the extreme heat waves also pose a threat to commodities, it said.

India's energy transition challenges

The challenges faced by India in transitioning its economy away from carbon-intensive sources of energy are evident in the rapid acceleration of its coal-fired output. With the goal of ensuring energy security for its vast population, India has seen a spike in power demand, leading to increased reliance on coal. As a result, the country's carbon emissions have risen significantly.

Balancing energy needs and environmental concerns

India's power plants are projected to burn about eight percent more coal in the current fiscal year, which started in April 2023. This surge in fossil fuel burning contributes to the country's carbon emissions, which reached 1.15 billion metric tonnes in the previous fiscal year, accounting for around 3.4 percent of global emissions. The increased reliance on coal has driven up India's emissions, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

The way forward

While the share of renewables in power generation, excluding hydro and nuclear power, has increased slightly, reaching 11.8 percent in the previous fiscal year, India has faced difficulties in achieving its renewable energy targets. The government aims to boost non-fossil fuel capacity, including solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower, to 500 GW by 2030. However, it fell short of its goal of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022.

India's role in global climate action

India has defended its high coal use by emphasising its lower per capita emissions compared to wealthier nations and the increasing output of renewable energy. The country has also pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, although it missed the COP26 summit's target of committing to reach net-zero by 2050. Achieving these long-term goals will require significant efforts to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The challenges faced by India in addressing climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy underscore the complexities of balancing energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.