India Plans to Continue Using Coal as its Main Energy Source Despite Climate Targets

The world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India, Plans to Continue Using Coal as its Main Energy Source Despite Climate Targets for the foreseeable future, according to a report by the Central Electricity Authority. The report states that coal will remain the country’s largest source of electricity generation, accounting for approximately 54% of its production by 2030. The country is expected to add more than 46 gigawatts of new coal power plants alongside an almost tripling of current levels of clean energy installations to hit climate targets.

Rising Demand for Energy and Decarbonisation Efforts

India is confronting an upsurge in the need for electrical power as its inhabitants’ per capita consumption of energy rises and the economy rebounds from the pandemic’s impact. The Indian government is undertaking actions to meet this demand while simultaneously seeking to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector. By 2030, the nation anticipates establishing more than 500 gigawatts of renewable energy sources, which is projected to account for 64% of India’s overall electricity production capacity.

The Importance of Affordable and Reliable Electricity

Ghanshyam Prasad, the chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, emphasized that the availability of affordable and reliable electricity is essential for the sustainable growth of the country. Therefore, the government is planning to maintain coal’s role in the energy mix to ensure a steady supply of power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Climate Ambitions

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has scaled up its climate ambitions in recent years. Last year, it set higher targets for clean energy capacity and reducing the emissions intensity of the economy. The government is offering incentives to increase solar and wind power and aims to become a global hub for the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia.

Coal Phase-out Efforts

Despite its commitment to clean energy, the government has previously opposed international efforts to set firm deadlines for phasing out the use of coal. The report states that only 2 gigawatts of coal-burning plants will be phased out through 2030, a fraction of an earlier plan to shut down 25 gigawatts of old plants. The country has 26.9 gigawatts of coal power plants under construction, and new projects totaling as much as 19.1 gigawatts may need to be built, according to the report.

Emissions from the Power Sector

Emissions from India’s power sector are expected to rise by about 11% on current levels by the end of the decade to 1,114 million tons of carbon dioxide, according to the report. This increase in emissions goes against the country’s climate targets and highlights the challenge India faces in balancing economic growth and sustainability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India is planning to maintain coal as its primary energy source despite its commitment to clean energy and climate targets. The government’s decision is driven by the need for a reliable and affordable energy supply to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity. The country is making significant progress in clean energy installations, but emissions from the power sector are still expected to rise by 2030. Balancing economic growth with sustainability will continue to be a challenge for India in the coming years.