Despite being India's leading renewable energy producer, Rajasthan will require an additional 4.4 GW of coal-fired power capacity by 2036 to meet rising electricity demand, according to a government document. This projection from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) marked a sharp increase from earlier estimates, which had suggested just 1.9 GW of coal power would be necessary.

Rajasthan, currently generating about 70% of its power from renewable sources, is preparing to retire its ageing coal plants, including 1.35 GW of capacity. However, the growing need for reliable baseload power to support its expanding economy and increasing electricity demand led the CEA to revise its forecast.

The state's utility requested a reconsideration of a November decision to deny approval for a new 3.2 GW coal plant, citing concerns over the intermittency of solar and wind power, which cannot provide continuous electricity around the clock. Additionally, battery storage solutions are not yet fully developed to support such a transition.

India, which derives about a third of its power from thermal sources, set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, including a massive increase in renewable energy capacity to 500 GW. However, experts highlight that as electricity consumption continues to grow in line with economic expansion, coal-fired capacity will still be crucial in meeting peak demand and ensuring grid stability.

Several other Indian states are also ramping up their coal power capacity, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing renewable growth with the need for stable, 24/7 power generation.