India's 'Slow' Energy Transition Proves Smart Amid Global Volatility

• India's measured approach to energy transition, once criticized, now appears strategically prudent amidst global energy volatility.
• Reliance on coal for over 70% of electricity generation provided grid stability, validating a cautious shift away from it without firm alternatives.
• Relaxing strict flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) deadlines and delaying retirement of older coal plants were reliability decisions, preventing capacity loss and blackouts.
• Slow progress on natural gas targets (7% vs. 15% goal) became a 'blessing in disguise' due to LNG crunch and geopolitical tensions.
• The SHANTI Bill, 2025, signals a pivot towards nuclear power for long-term, stable baseload capacity, reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuels.