By Team Newscript
August 9, 2025
- India’s Coal Dependence Endures Despite Renewables Growth
Coal remains India’s dominant source of electricity, supplying roughly 73 per cent of daily generation, especially during evening peaks when solar output fades. Rapid EV adoption is adding new demand pressure, underscoring the urgent need for large-scale storage and hybrid renewable projects. While policymakers have set aggressive decarbonisation targets, the grid’s reliance on coal for stability persists. Investment in battery systems and pumped hydro remains modest relative to requirement, raising questions over the pace of transition. Analysts note that without accelerated storage deployment, the coal fleet—already one of the largest in the world—will continue to anchor India’s energy security, even as renewables claim a growing share of daytime generation. - Solar Power Milestone Reshapes Energy Mix
India has reached 100GW of installed solar capacity, marking a significant step in its clean-energy trajectory. The achievement has contributed to the steepest monthly decline in coal and gas generation in May 2025 in over three decades, excluding pandemic years. Economic slowdown, falling renewable tariffs, and improved grid integration have accelerated the shift. Yet, solar’s intermittency limits its ability to replace fossil fuels entirely, with coal plants still required to manage evening demand peaks. Industry observers argue that this milestone could catalyse further investment in storage and transmission upgrades, both critical to absorbing higher levels of renewable penetration without jeopardising grid stability. - Adani Power to Build $3bn Bihar Coal Plant
Adani Power has announced plans to invest $3bn in a 2.4GW coal-fired power plant in Bihar, aimed at meeting the state’s rising electricity demand. The project reflects a pragmatic energy strategy—bolstering base-load capacity while renewables scale up. Construction is expected to generate significant employment in the region. Critics, however, see the move as at odds with India’s climate commitments, given the long operating lifespan of such assets. Supporters argue that reliable coal power remains vital to industrial growth and rural electrification, particularly in a state where peak-hour deficits persist. The plant will also enhance grid stability in eastern India, an area vulnerable to seasonal hydropower fluctuations. - Coal India Hits Record 781Mt Output
Coal India Limited (CIL) has reported record production of 781 million tonnes in FY24–25, underscoring the fuel’s enduring role in India’s energy system. The increase reflects higher demand from both industry and residential sectors, as well as government pressure to ensure adequate stocks at power plants. CIL’s operational efficiency improvements and mine expansions have contributed to the milestone. While environmental advocates warn that sustained coal growth risks locking in emissions, the government maintains that domestic output reduces import dependency and strengthens energy security. The record comes amid heightened scrutiny of balancing economic growth with climate goals ahead of COP30 negotiations. - Indian Energy Exchange Sees 25.5% Volume Surge
The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) recorded a 25.5 per cent year-on-year increase in monthly electricity volumes, signalling robust demand and market liquidity. Analysts attribute the growth to heightened industrial activity, flexible trading options, and increased participation from renewable generators selling surplus output. The IEX has benefited from rising corporate interest in open-access procurement to hedge against long-term tariff escalation. Higher spot prices during evening peaks also encouraged power sellers to capitalise on market volatility. The data underscores the exchange’s growing importance as a price discovery platform in India’s evolving electricity market. - Haryana Regulator Approves Open-Access Surcharge
The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved a surcharge on open-access consumers, citing the need to recover grid balancing and infrastructure costs. The decision is seen as a move to level the playing field between conventional distribution companies and large commercial buyers sourcing power directly from generators. While industrial users argue that the surcharge could dampen open-access adoption, regulators contend it is necessary to ensure cost recovery for grid upkeep. The move reflects a broader national debate over how to integrate decentralised procurement models without undermining the financial health of state-owned distribution utilities. - Solar Inverter Compliance Deadline Extended
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has extended deadlines for compliance with technical standards on large-scale solar inverters, offering developers more time to adapt to updated specifications. The extension is aimed at avoiding supply bottlenecks and project delays, particularly for utility-scale solar parks. Industry stakeholders welcomed the move, noting that global component shortages and logistics constraints have complicated timely compliance. The policy adjustment signals a supportive stance towards project execution as India seeks to accelerate renewable capacity growth while maintaining grid compatibility and safety standards. - EOG Resources Raises Production Forecast
EOG Resources has increased its production outlook following a profitable acquisition, expanding its international portfolio. The US-based producer is leveraging synergies from the deal to boost natural gas and oil output, particularly in export-oriented markets. The move positions EOG to capitalise on sustained global LNG demand and higher crude prices. Analysts view the strategy as a calculated bet on enduring fossil fuel relevance, even amid accelerating renewable adoption. The company has also indicated plans to invest in low-carbon technologies to offset operational emissions, reflecting investor pressure for a more balanced energy mix. - LNG Canada Faces Technical Setbacks
The Shell-led LNG Canada project is experiencing technical issues that have delayed initial exports, disrupting anticipated supply to Asian markets. The setback has tightened spot LNG availability, pushing up regional prices and prompting some buyers to seek alternative cargoes from the US and Middle East. The project, one of Canada’s largest energy investments, is seen as critical to diversifying global LNG supply. Analysts warn that prolonged delays could erode competitiveness in a market where new capacity from Qatar and the US is coming online over the next two years. - Malaysia to Invest Heavily in LNG Technology
Malaysia has committed to a multi-billion-dollar investment in LNG technology over the next five years as part of a trade agreement with the United States. The plan includes upgrading liquefaction capacity, enhancing shipping infrastructure, and exploring carbon-capture solutions for gas processing facilities. Petronas, the state energy giant, is expected to lead project execution. The initiative aims to secure Malaysia’s role as a key Asian LNG supplier while aligning with decarbonisation trends through cleaner production methods. The move also strengthens bilateral energy trade with Washington, amid intensifying competition in the global LNG market. - Europe Ramps Up Fossil Generation in Evening Peaks
Europe’s recent spell of negative hourly power prices has faded as summer demand forces fossil fuel generation to ramp up during evening peaks. Countries such as Germany and Spain have relied more on flexible gas plants after sunset, despite strong daytime solar and hydro output. The trend highlights ongoing challenges in matching renewable generation with consumption patterns, underscoring the need for grid-scale storage and demand-side management. Market operators warn that without accelerated investment in balancing capacity, reliance on gas for evening stability will persist well into the next decade. - Côte d’Ivoire Signs Solar Expansion Contracts
Côte d’Ivoire has signed new contracts to expand its solar PV capacity, marking a significant step in West Africa’s renewable energy ambitions. The projects, backed by international financing, will add several hundred megawatts to the grid, improving electricity access and reducing reliance on thermal generation. The government aims to lift the share of renewables in the energy mix to over 40 per cent by 2030. Analysts say the expansion could enhance energy security while creating jobs in construction and maintenance, though successful integration will depend on upgrading grid infrastructure. - Philippines Approves 2GW Offshore Wind Project
The Philippines has approved a 2GW offshore wind project, signalling its intent to diversify the generation mix and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Backed by international developers, the project is set to be among the largest in Southeast Asia. It aligns with Manila’s goal of sourcing 50 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2040. While environmental groups have welcomed the approval, they caution that transmission upgrades and permitting reforms will be critical to timely delivery. The investment also positions the Philippines as an emerging player in Asia’s offshore wind sector. - Ofgem Reviews UK Energy Pricing Models
The UK energy regulator Ofgem is reviewing pricing models to better integrate renewable generation and protect consumers from volatility. The review will consider reforms to capacity markets, time-of-use tariffs, and grid-balancing mechanisms. Ofgem aims to encourage greater flexibility and demand-side participation, reducing reliance on gas-fired generation during supply crunches. The move comes as the UK accelerates its decarbonisation targets, with offshore wind, solar, and storage capacity set for substantial growth. Market participants expect any reforms to have significant implications for investment planning and retail pricing structures. - Uniper Commits €5bn to Renewable Expansion
Germany’s Uniper has announced plans to invest €5bn to grow its renewable capacity to 15–20GW by 2030. The strategy focuses on wind, solar, and green hydrogen projects, positioning the company to play a leading role in Europe’s energy transition. The investment will be financed through a mix of retained earnings, green bonds, and asset recycling. Analysts note that Uniper’s pivot reflects both regulatory pressure and market opportunity as European utilities race to decarbonise. The expansion will also reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets over the long term. - US Nuclear Restarts Could Add 7GW Capacity
The United States is pursuing restarts and upgrades of existing nuclear reactors that could add 7GW of capacity by the end of the decade. Industry advocates argue that extending the life of current plants offers a cost-effective way to boost low-carbon generation compared with building new reactors. The initiative enjoys bipartisan support as part of efforts to strengthen grid resilience and meet climate goals. However, safety retrofits, licensing challenges, and public opposition remain hurdles. The nuclear push complements parallel growth in renewables, aiming for a balanced, decarbonised power mix. - Woodside Energy Credit Outlook Downgraded
S&P Global has downgraded the credit outlook for Australia’s Woodside Energy, citing risks tied to a major LNG investment. The ratings agency flagged concerns over capital intensity, execution risk, and potential exposure to market oversupply as new global capacity comes online. Woodside maintains that the project will deliver long-term value and strengthen its export position in Asia. The downgrade could raise borrowing costs and prompt reassessment of capital allocation priorities. The development highlights investor scrutiny of large fossil fuel projects amid heightened climate and market pressures.