India's share of coal in its total power generation capacity dropped below 50% in Q1 2024, marking the first time since the 1960s. Renewable energy accounted for 71.5 percent of the 13,669 MW power generation capacity added by India in Q1 2024. This trend is well ahead of India's target of achieving 50% cumulative power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030. The decline in coal's share mirrors a global trend, with demand for coal in G7 countries hitting record lows in 2023. G7 countries pledged to phase out all unabated coal power generation by 2035.
India has the 5th largest hydroelectric power setup in the world, mainly because had poor access to fossil fuels and their extraction technology (even though it has vast stores of coal). It also acted as a good source of water for agriculture for a chiefly agrarian economy. As of 2020, 12.3% of power came from hydro, but fell in 2024 due to lack of rainfall. Which pushed up coal usage and emissions.
Ironic how climate change might push India to be less sustainable. However India is also investing heavily is solar, wind and nuclear, mainly as a backup for fluctuating geopolitics in Asia.