India's October coal-fired power output jumps most in 3 years as hydro generation slumps

India generated 25.7% more electricity from coal in October than a year earlier, its strongest annual increase in three years, Business Recorder reported, citing government data. Coal accounted for 71.7% of generation, up from 66.03% in September, as hydropower output fell 26% amid weaker rainfall and higher industrial demand.

Fuel constraints were acute at one stage, with 100 of the country’s 191 coal plants reporting critically low stocks. Supplies improved after the government increased coal deliveries, while power shortages eased somewhat by late October; renewable generation rose 34.7% to 26.61 billion kWh, although clean energy’s share slipped to about 15% from 17%. Total generation climbed 21.1% to 172.53 billion kWh.