Forget the headlines of endless coal expansion—India and China are quietly dismantling their coal empires as green energy catapults forward. A revealing report dissects this underreported shift, offering hope amid climate despair.
Coal electricity output nosedived in both powerhouses. India’s coal fleet faced ‘must-run’ status reversals, with solar and wind displacing 50 billion units. China enforced peak-shaving mandates, idling plants during low-demand nights now filled by batteries.
The green wave crashes with force. India celebrated its 100 GW renewable milestone early, thanks to ultra-mega auctions. Pumped hydro in the Himalayas and green hydrogen pilots signal ambition. China’s desert mega-bases integrate 100 GW solar-wind hybrids, exporting power via ultra-high-voltage lines.
Drivers are multifaceted: cost parity achieved, with solar LCOE at $25/MWh versus coal’s $50+. Youth-led activism and corporate ESG mandates amplify momentum. Bilateral MoUs on tech transfer deepen collaboration.
Impacts cascade globally. Softer coal demand stabilizes prices, benefiting importers like Japan. Innovation hubs in Bengaluru and Shenzhen pioneer next-gen storage. Employment surges in manufacturing supply chains.
Barriers remain—financing for retiring coal assets, skill reskilling—but policy innovations like viability gap funding address them. The report forecasts renewables dominating 50% of generation by 2030.
In conclusion, India and China’s coal decline isn’t decline; it’s evolution. This powerhouse pair proves scale and speed can coexist with sustainability, inspiring the world to follow suit in the race to renewables.