India's Solar Surge: Cuts Coal Dependence by 235 MT in Three Years

• India's reliance on solar power has significantly reduced its dependence on coal-based thermal generation over the last three years.
• Solar energy increasingly substitutes coal power during daytime, while wind energy supports night and early morning generation.
• Solar energy generation rose from 102 BU in 2022-23 to 144 BU in 2024-25, totaling 362 BU over three years.
• This surge in solar output saved approximately 235 million tonnes of coal, based on CEA estimates.
• India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar playing a central role, driven by initiatives like the National Solar Mission.