Hydropower Decline Keeps Coal Central to India’s Flexible Grid

India is building much more renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.

However, the country still relies heavily on coal to produce electricity.

This year, hot weather made people use more air conditioning and other cooling equipment.

At the same time, weak rainfall and low reservoir levels reduced hydropower production.

Hydropower is useful because it can quickly provide extra electricity when needed.

Batteries are not yet available in sufficient amounts to store all renewable power.

India has considered making coal plants more flexible so they can adjust their output when renewable power changes.

Supporters say this could help fit more renewable energy into the electricity system.

Critics worry that continued coal generation could make it harder to reduce emissions and meet clean-energy goals.