Analysis: India's power-sector emissions flat for two years due to clean-energy surge

India's power-sector CO2 emissions remained flat from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2026 despite 7% growth in electricity demand, the first time in over 50 years with no coal-power growth over two years. Solar additions of 77 gigawatts met 60% of rising electricity demand, equivalent to Switzerland's total power consumption.

Growth in steel and cement emissions drove overall national emissions up 3.7% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, and new coal capacity continues to be built despite the power-sector plateau.