Rajasthan, India’s Top Clean Energy State, May Need Much More Coal Power by 2036

Rajasthan, India’s Top Clean Energy State, May Need Much More Coal Power by 2036

January 19, 2026

Even though Rajasthan leads India in renewable electricity production, the state may still require a significant increase in coal-fired power capacity by 2036 to keep up with rising energy demand, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) now estimates that Rajasthan will need about 4,400 megawatts (MW) of new coal-based generation — more than double earlier forecasts — despite plans to retire older coal units.

The report explains that while renewable sources supply roughly 70 per cent of the state’s power, they cannot yet reliably deliver electricity around the clock because energy storage systems like batteries are still limited in scale. As a result, the state’s regulator is reconsidering a previous refusal to permit a new 3,200 MW coal plant to help ensure steady power supply.

At the national level, India meets about one-third of its electricity needs with thermal power and expects overall coal capacity to grow by around 40 per cent by 2035 to support economic expansion and energy reliability, even as it pursues ambitious clean energy goals. The country has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070 and aims to expand renewable capacity significantly in the coming decade.