ENERGY STATISTICS INDIA 2026: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Why In News?

The National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the 33rd edition of "Energy Statistics India 2026". 

What are the highlights of the Energy Statistics India 2026?

This report provides a comprehensive dataset on India's energy reserves, production, consumption patterns, and installed capacity up to the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25.

The report highlights a defining characteristic of the Indian economy: Decoupling Growth from Inefficiency. While energy demand continues to rise to fuel a $5 Trillion economy ambition, the intensity of that energy use is becoming greener and more efficient.

• Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES): India’s energy supply grew by 2.95% in FY 2024-25, reaching 9,32,816 Kilo Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (KToE).
• Per Capita Consumption: A vital indicator of standard of living, per capita energy consumption rose to 18,096 Mega Joules (MJ) in 2024-25, up from 15,296 MJ in 2015-16.
• The "Green" Shift: Non-fossil fuel sources now account for over 50% of India’s total installed electricity capacity, a milestone achieved well ahead of the 2030 target.

Sectoral Production & Consumption Trends

A. Coal: The Persistent Backbone

Despite the global push for decarbonization, coal remains the bedrock of India's energy security. The data reflects a pragmatic "Phase-Down" rather than an immediate "Phase-Out."

• Dominance: Coal contributed approximately 79% of the total domestic energy supply in FY 2024-25.
• Supply Surge: Supply of coal (including lignite) increased to 5,52,315 KToE in FY 2024-25, up from 3,87,761 KToE in FY 2015-16.
• Production Growth: Domestic coal production grew by 4.98%, reaching 1,047.52 million tonnes.

This continued reliance highlights the Energy Trilemma—balancing security, affordability, and sustainability. 

• For India, coal is currently the only viable option to meet baseload power requirements while renewable storage technologies mature.

B. Petroleum & Natural Gas: The Import Challenge

The report highlights India’s vulnerability to external shocks due to high import dependence.

• Consumption Trends: Total consumption of crude oil and natural gas has seen a consistent year-on-year rise, driven by the transportation (25% share) and industrial sectors.
• Natural Gas: Gas-fired generation declined by nearly 9% in FY25 due to high global LNG prices, showing the price sensitivity of this transition fuel.

Rising import bill impacts the Current Account Deficit (CAD). The data validates the government's push for Ethanol Blending (E20) and Compressed Biogas (CBG) under the SATAT scheme to reduce this reliance.

C. Electricity: The Efficiency Revolution

• Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Losses: Achievement of the RDSS (Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme). T&D losses reduced from 22% (FY 2015-16) to 17% (FY 2024-25).
• Generation Mix: Total electricity generation target for 2025-26 is set at 2000.4 Billion Units (BU), a growth of 9.3%.
• Electrification: Rural power availability has increased to 22.6 hours/day, bridging the rural-urban divide.

Renewable Energy Surge: "The Star Performer"

Total Potential: India’s estimated renewable energy potential stands at 47,04,043 MW.

Installed Capacity Growth: RE capacity exploded from 90,134 MW (2016) to 2,29,346 MW (2025), registering a CAGR of 10.93%.

Solar Dominance: Solar energy accounts for 71% of the total renewable potential. Installed solar capacity crossed 132.85 GW by November 2025.

Generation: Electricity generated from renewable sources more than doubled, from 1,89,314 GWh (FY16) to 4,16,823 GWh (FY25).

Regional Skew => Over 70% of India's RE potential is concentrated in just six states: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

• This necessitates a robust National Grid (Green Energy Corridor) to transmit power from these surplus states to deficit regions like the North-East or Gangetic plains, emphasizing "One Nation, One Grid."

Challenges

Coal Dependency vs Net Zero: With coal still supplying 79% of energy, the "Net Zero by 2070" target requires a steeper decline in coal use than currently observed.

Storage & Grid Stability: As RE capacity (variable power) grows, the lack of adequate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) poses grid stability risks.

Regional Disparities: The concentration of RE potential in western/southern India could widen economic disparities with eastern states unless transmission infrastructure keeps pace.

Import Bill: The unyielding demand for oil and gas continues to export Indian wealth to oil-producing nations.

Way Forward 

Diversification: Accelerate Green Hydrogen (National Green Hydrogen Mission) to decarbonize "hard-to-abate" industrial sectors like steel and refining.

Demand Side Management: Strengthen the PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) scheme and aggressively push for Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliance in the residential sector.

Grid Modernization: Invest in Smart Metering (only 22% installed vs target) and Smart Grids to manage the variable nature of solar/wind.

Distributed Generation: Expand PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to reduce transmission losses and empower households as "Prosumers" (Producers + Consumers).

Conclusion

Energy Statistics India 2026 reveals a nation in the midst of a "Dual Transition": expanding energy access to uplift millions while simultaneously greening the supply chain.

Source: PIB