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Coal-based power continued to dominate India's electricity mix in the April-June quarter of 2026, accounting for 69.54% of the country's total power generation, the Union Power Ministry informed Parliament.
India currently has 230.8 GW of coal and lignite-based power generation capacity. During non-solar peak demand hours, these plants generated 188.8 GW, accounting for nearly 75% of the total power generation of 251.4 GW, the ministry said.
The ministry added that thermal power plants had 42.8 million tonnes (MT) of coal stock as of July 12, enough to meet around 14 days of demand at an 85% plant load factor (PLF).
It said thermal power plants are receiving adequate coal supplies to meet daily demand, while scheduled maintenance of generating units is planned in advance to minimise disruptions during peak demand periods.
To improve the integration of renewable energy into the grid, the government has implemented the Central Electricity Authority (Flexible Operation of Coal-based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023, which require coal-fired power plants to operate at a minimum technical load of 40% under a phased plan.
The ministry said 9,470 MW of thermal power capacity was added during FY26, with another 2,260 MW commissioned so far in the current financial year.
Coal supplies to thermal power plants are monitored daily by a joint committee comprising the Ministries of Power, Railways and Coal. An inter-ministerial committee, including the Railway Board Chairman, Coal Secretary and Power Secretary, also reviews coal availability regularly.
To support electricity supply during non-solar hours, India has commissioned 2,669 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 7,426 MW of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). These storage systems store surplus solar power generated during the day and release it during evening and night-time demand.
The government added that 11 pumped storage projects with a combined capacity of 15,870 MW are currently under construction, while another six projects with a capacity of 8,140 MW have received approval or appraisal from the Central Electricity Authority.
Also Read: India's peak power demand touches 270 GW again, close to projected 2026 record
India currently has 230.8 GW of coal and lignite-based power generation capacity. During non-solar peak demand hours, these plants generated 188.8 GW, accounting for nearly 75% of the total power generation of 251.4 GW, the ministry said.
The ministry added that thermal power plants had 42.8 million tonnes (MT) of coal stock as of July 12, enough to meet around 14 days of demand at an 85% plant load factor (PLF).
It said thermal power plants are receiving adequate coal supplies to meet daily demand, while scheduled maintenance of generating units is planned in advance to minimise disruptions during peak demand periods.
To improve the integration of renewable energy into the grid, the government has implemented the Central Electricity Authority (Flexible Operation of Coal-based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023, which require coal-fired power plants to operate at a minimum technical load of 40% under a phased plan.
The ministry said 9,470 MW of thermal power capacity was added during FY26, with another 2,260 MW commissioned so far in the current financial year.
Coal supplies to thermal power plants are monitored daily by a joint committee comprising the Ministries of Power, Railways and Coal. An inter-ministerial committee, including the Railway Board Chairman, Coal Secretary and Power Secretary, also reviews coal availability regularly.
To support electricity supply during non-solar hours, India has commissioned 2,669 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 7,426 MW of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). These storage systems store surplus solar power generated during the day and release it during evening and night-time demand.
The government added that 11 pumped storage projects with a combined capacity of 15,870 MW are currently under construction, while another six projects with a capacity of 8,140 MW have received approval or appraisal from the Central Electricity Authority.
Also Read: India's peak power demand touches 270 GW again, close to projected 2026 record
