NEW DELHI: With India crossing the one-billion-tonne coal production mark for the second consecutive year, the government has said there are sufficient reserves to meet growing energy needs.
The country achieved the milestone on March 20, following a record output of 1,048 million tonnes in the 2024–25 financial year. According to the Ministry of Coal, the achievement highlights India’s increasing self-reliance in the energy sector and its ability to ensure steady fuel supply to key industries.
The ministry noted that sustained growth in coal production has helped the power sector maintain strong stock levels at coal-based thermal plants, even as electricity demand rises.
Earlier this month, India also recorded 200 million tonnes of output from commercial and captive coal mines.
At present, thermal power plants hold over 53 million tonnes of coal—enough to meet about 23 days of demand at current consumption levels. In addition, around 147 million tonnes are available as pithead stock at captive and commercial mines, along with supplies in transit, at ports, and in storage.
The Central Electricity Authority estimates that peak power demand could reach 265–270 GW this year. Demand typically surges during summer months due to increased use of cooling appliances like air conditioners.
While renewable energy now accounts for nearly 52% of installed capacity, coal remains the backbone of India’s power generation, with close to 250 GW of coal-based thermal capacity still driving the majority of electricity supply.
