India39;s 2024 power output growth tapers on economic slowdown
Coalfired power growth slows, share in power mix dips
Renewables dependence at record despite fall in wind output

SINGAPORE, Jan 8 Reuters India39;s electricity generation grew at its slowest pace in 2024 since the COVID19 pandemic, an analysis of federal grid regulator data showed, hit by a slowdown in the world39;s fastest growing major economy.

Power output rose 5.8 annually to 1,824.13 billion kilowatthours kWh, an analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid regulator GridIndia showed.

Growth in power generation averaged 2.3 in the year39;s second half, nearly a quarter of the first half39;s rise of 9.6, the data showed.

The slackening electricity generation was in line with a softening economy, which grew at the slowest pace in nearly two years during the quarter that ended on Sept. 30.

The slowdown has not shown signs of easing significantly, with India39;s manufacturing activity growing in December at its weakest pace for the year, amid weaker demand.

However, analysts expect a pickup in industrial activity and residential power use stemming from adverse weather to drive growth of 6 to 7 in electricity use in 2025.

Demand has already picked up in December, with mercury levels dropping and increased usage of heating systems, said Sooraj Narayan, head of AsiaPacific power modelling at consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

Combined with increased industrial production activities, we expect the…