The Energy Statistics India 2026 Report

Source: PIB

Summary

• Released By: NSO, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Report Edition: 33rd Annual Edition (2026).
• Solar Potential Share: 71% of total RE.
• T&D Loss Target: Reduced to 17% (from 22%).
• Primary Fuel: Coal (5.52 lakh KTOE).
• Credit Flow Growth: 6x increase from 2021 to 2025.

Context:

The Energy Statistics India 2026 report, the 33rd edition released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), provides a data-driven look at India’s evolving energy landscape. As of March 2026, the report highlights a significant pivot toward solar energy and improved grid efficiency, even as the nation grapples with a persistent “coal-heavy” energy mix.

Primary Energy Supply and Consumption Trends

The report indicates a steady climb in India’s total energy appetite, reflecting the country’s industrial and residential expansion.

• Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES): Reached 9,32,816 KTOE (Kilotonne of Oil Equivalent) in FY 2024-25, growing by nearly 3% annually.
• Per-Capita Consumption: Individual energy use has jumped from 15,296 MJ in 2015-16 to 18,096 MJ in 2024-25, a clear indicator of rising living standards and urbanization.
• Total Final Consumption (TFC): Since 2015-16, the final consumption has surged by 30.41%, putting immense pressure on supply chains and import requirements.

The Renewable Energy (RE) Revolution

The most striking data point in the 2026 report is the exponential leap in India’s green energy potential.

• Staggering Potential: India’s total RE potential is now estimated at 47.04 lakh MW.
• Solar Dominance: Solar energy accounts for 71% of this potential (approx. 33.43 lakh MW).
• Geographical Concentration: A “Big Six” state cluster (Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh) holds over 70% of India’s total renewable potential.
• Growth Rate: Installed RE capacity has maintained a healthy CAGR of 10.93% over the last decade.

Operational Efficiency and Financial Growth

India is not just producing more energy; it is becoming better at moving it.

• Reducing “Leaky” Grids: Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses have seen a vital reduction—falling from 22% in 2015-16 to 17% in 2024-25. While still higher than global benchmarks, the 5% gain represents massive energy savings.
• Investment Surge: Credit flow to the energy sector has witnessed a sixfold increase since 2021, reaching ₹10,325 crore in 2025. This reflects high investor confidence, particularly in green infrastructure.

The “Coal Paradox” and Strategic Challenges

Despite the green push, the report reveals that India’s transition to Net Zero faces a “Coal Reality.”

• Dependency: Coal remains the primary energy source, with its supply increasing to 5,52,315 KTOE.
• Import Reliance: Supply trends for Crude Oil and Natural Gas continue to rise, indicating that India remains highly sensitive to global price shocks and geopolitical instability in energy-exporting regions.
• Regional Imbalance: The concentration of RE potential in just six states creates a risk of regional energy disparities and necessitates a robust “Green Energy Corridor” for inter-state transmission.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. According to the Energy Statistics India 2026 report, which state-wise trend was observed regarding Renewable Energy (RE) potential?

A) RE potential is evenly distributed across all 28 states.

B) Over 70% of RE potential is concentrated in six specific states.

C) Eastern India holds the highest share of solar potential.

D) RE potential has decreased by 10% since 2015.

Q2. Which energy source holds the highest share (approximately 71%) in India’s total renewable energy potential as of March 2025?

A) Wind Energy

B) Biomass

C) Solar Energy

D) Small Hydro Power

Q3. What has been the trend in Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses in India between FY 2015-16 and FY 2024-25?

A) Losses increased from 17% to 22%.

B) Losses remained stagnant at 20%.

C) Losses were reduced from 22% to 17%.

D) T&D losses were completely eliminated in 2025.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Energy Statistics India 2026 report:

1. Coal supply has decreased significantly as India reached its Net Zero targets in 2025.
2. Per-capita energy consumption in India has risen to 18,096 MJ in 2024-25.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   A) 1 only B) 2 only C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2

Q5. The “Energy Statistics India” report is published annually by which organization?

A) NITI Aayog

B) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

C) National Statistics Office (NSO)

D) Central Electricity Authority (CEA)