82% of Indians Back Coal-to-Clean Energy Transition: Yale-CVoter Survey

82% of Indians Back Coal-to-Clean Energy Transition: Yale-CVoter Survey Photograph: (Archive)

Public support for India's clean energy transition remains overwhelmingly strong, with 82% of Indians favouring a shift away from coal-fired power generation towards solar and wind energy, according to the latest Climate Change in the Indian Mind survey conducted by Yale University and CVoter International.

The nationally representative survey of 5,427 adults, conducted between December 2025 and February 2026, comes at a time when India is grappling with intensifying heat waves, rising electricity demand and growing concerns over climate-related risks.

The findings indicate a broad public mandate for accelerating renewable energy deployment. Nearly 87% of respondents said replacing coal with solar and wind power would benefit people in India, while 86% supported the country's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

The survey also found that 65% of Indians want the country to increase its use of renewable energy, compared with only 14% who favour expanding fossil fuel consumption. In addition, 62% believe leaving most of India's coal reserves in the ground is the best pathway towards a healthier, safer and more prosperous future.

The strong backing for clean energy comes amid growing awareness of climate impacts. About 84% of respondents said they have personally experienced the effects of global warming, while 88% expressed concern about climate change. Worry about climate-linked hazards remains widespread, with 77% concerned about severe heat waves, 77% about air pollution and 76% about droughts and water shortages affecting their local communities.

The findings are significant for India's energy sector, which continues to balance rising power demand with decarbonisation goals. Coal still accounts for nearly 70% of the country's electricity generation, but renewable energy additions have accelerated sharply in recent years. India's clean energy capacity expanded by more than 22% in 2025, with solar installations registering growth of nearly 39% during the year.

The survey suggests public sentiment is increasingly aligned with the government's clean energy ambitions. India has set a target of sourcing 60% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035 and remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Support also extends beyond power generation. Nearly seven in ten respondents said they would be willing to pay more for an electric vehicle over a conventional petrol or diesel alternative to reduce both emissions and operating costs. Meanwhile, support for green jobs remains particularly strong, with more than 90% backing programmes aimed at training youth and women for employment in the renewable energy sector.

The survey's findings are likely to provide an additional boost to policymakers and industry stakeholders advocating faster deployment of renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernisation and inves