India, Indonesia add 15 GW of fossil capacity even as renewables climb

India and Indonesia have added about 15 gigawatts of fossil fuel generation capacity between them, even as both countries keep installing solar and wind at a faster clip. Asian Power reported the figures on November 11, 2026.

The number is a reminder that fast-growing Asian economies are still leaning on coal and gas to keep the lights on. Renewables are rising. So is demand.

Why the two are moving together

India and Indonesia share a similar problem. Electricity demand is climbing as factories expand and more homes get air conditioning and appliances. Grid operators want steady supply that doesn't depend on the sun shining or the wind blowing.

That has kept fossil projects in the pipeline. Coal remains the backbone of India's grid, and Indonesia is one of the world's largest coal producers. Gas plants are also being built to balance variable renewable output.

The 15 GW figure covers new capacity in both countries. Asian Power did not break the total down by country or by fuel in its report.

Solar and wind keep growing

The fossil additions come as solar and wind continue to expand across the region. India has been adding solar capacity at a rapid pace, with large utility-scale parks in states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat. Rooftop installations are growing too.

Indonesia has been slower on solar, but it is pushing wind and geothermal projects as part of its energy transition plans. The country has significant untapped renewable potential.

The two trends are not in conflict, at least not yet. Many grids in Asia are adding renewables and fossil capacity at the same time because overall demand is growing faster than clean energy can cover.

What it means for emissions

Every new fossil plant locks in decades of emissions. A coal unit built today can run for 30 years or more. That makes the 15 GW figure a problem for climate targets, even if the plants run at low capacity factors.

India has pledged to reach net zero by 2070. Indonesia aims for 2060 or sooner. Both targets depend on peaking fossil capacity well before those dates.

Analysts have argued that the region needs to retire coal plants early and build storage to make renewables reliable. Neither country has moved fast on either front.

The Asian Power report did not include details on plant types, commissioning dates, or the share of the 15 GW that has already come online.

The demand question

For now, the story is one of addition rather than substitution. India and Indonesia are building more of everything. That keeps the lights on, but it also keeps emissions rising.

The next few years will show whether clean energy additions can outpace fossil growth. The 15 GW figure suggests they haven't yet.