Electricity generation in India is a major contributor to the country’s economic growth and development. India has a diverse mix of energy sources for electricity generation, including coal, natural gas, hydro, nuclear, and renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass.
Coal is the primary source of electricity generation in India, accounting for about 70% of the total electricity generated in the country. India is the world’s third-largest producer and consumer of coal, with most of its coal reserves located in the eastern and central regions of the country.
Natural gas is the second-largest source of electricity generation in India, accounting for about 8% of the total electricity generated. India has limited natural gas reserves and depends heavily on imports to meet its demand.
Hydroelectric power is the third-largest source of electricity generation in India, accounting for about 13% of the total electricity generated. India has significant hydroelectric potential, particularly in the Himalayan region, but the development of new projects has been slow due to environmental concerns and social issues.
Nuclear power accounts for about 2% of the total electricity generated in India. India has 23 nuclear reactors in operation, with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW.
Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and biomass are increasingly being used for electricity generation in India. Wind energy accounts for about 10% of the total installed capacity, while solar energy accounts for about 4%. Biomass and other renewable sources account for about 5% of the total installed capacity.
The Indian government has set a target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar, 60 GW of wind, 10 GW of biomass, and 5 GW of small hydroelectric projects. The government is also promoting the use of clean energy sources like electric vehicles and is taking steps to improve energy efficiency in various sectors.