Differences between the UK’s and India’s approach to phasing out coal power

Source: The post differences between the UK’s and India’s approach to phasing out coal power has been created, based on the article “Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India” published in “The Hindu” on 9th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Context: The article discusses the differences between the UK’s and India’s approach to phasing out coal power. It highlights the UK’s long history of reducing coal use, driven by environmental, economic, and geopolitical factors, and contrasts this with India’s current reliance on coal, which is expected to peak around 2030-35. The article suggests that India can learn from the UK’s transition but must adapt strategies to its own circumstances, considering the social and economic impacts on its coal-dependent regions.

For detailed information on Phasing Out Coal in India read Article 1, Article 2

What led to Britain’s coal phase-out?

1. Britain began moving away from coal long before its 2015 pledge at the Paris Agreement.
2. The transition started in the 1950s due to severe pollution events like the Great Smog of 1952, which led to the Clean Air Act of 1956.
3. The discovery of natural gas in the North Sea in 1965 and economic pressures from costly coal imports during the Cold War also accelerated this shift.
4. This process involved closing about 20 mines in the 1980s, which resulted in economic hardship for many communities.

How does India’s coal situation compare to the UK?

1. Historical Development: India’s coal history began in 1774 with the Raniganj coalfield, while the UK started with the world’s first public coal-fired power plant in 1882.
2. Current Reliance on Coal: India relies on coal for 70% of its energy, while the UK has transitioned to alternatives like natural gas and renewables since the 1960s. India’s coal consumption is expected to peak between 2030-35, around 80 years after Britain.
3. Energy Production: India has over 350 operational coal mines, with 120 new ones planned, while Britain phased out most of its coal plants by 2025.
4. Employment: India’s coal sector employs over a million people. In contrast, coal jobs in the UK peaked in the early 20th century, employing 1.2 million miners.
5. Per Capita Energy Use: Britain’s per capita energy consumption in 2022 was three times that of India.

What can India learn from the UK’s experience?

1. Holistic Transition: The UK focused on retraining coal sector workers in similar skill-based industries, like engineering and heavy machinery. India could apply this approach, given its thermal power sector employs over 400,000 people.
2. Clear Timelines: The UK set a clear goal to phase out coal by 2025. India, with 70% of energy from coal and a peak expected by 2030-35, can benefit from setting fixed plant decommissioning dates.
3. Regional Redevelopment: The UK redeveloped coal-dependent regions by promoting new industries like offshore wind farms near Yorkshire. India, whose coal regions are some of the poorest, could implement regional development projects to ease economic transition.
4. Learning from the Past: The UK avoided the mistakes of the 1980s by ensuring support for miners. India can avoid similar pitfalls by providing retraining and financial support to miners transitioning from coal.

Conclusion

While Britain has largely completed its transition away from coal, India is at a different stage, with unique challenges and opportunities. Learning from the UK’s approach, India can plan a phased, just transition that supports its workforce and regional economies.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how India can adapt the UK’s approach to phasing out coal to address its own economic and social challenges.