On Phasing Out Coal – Honest reckoning

Source: This post on Phasing Out Coal has been created based on the article “Honest reckoning” published in “The Hindu” on 6^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.

News: The article discusses India’s apprehensions in endorsing the pledge on tripling renewable energy due to its mention of phasing out coal.

Global pledges to cut greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to achieve the target of preventing Earth’s temperatures from rising to 1.5 degree C above the pre-industrial levels.

What are the efforts being made in this regard?

Current estimates are that to limit warming to 1.5°C, the world requires 3 times more renewable energy capacity by 2030 (at least 11,000 GW). The recent Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge at COP28 acknowledges this.

However, only 118 countries have endorsed the pledge so far. 2 major countries, i.e., India and China, have so far abstained from signing.

What has been India’s stance?

India is committed to the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, as reflected by the following:

1. India’s Nationally determined contributions (NDC) aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, which is three times the existing 170 GW.
2. New Delhi Declaration of G20 on tripling renewable energy.

At the same time, India’s major concerns regarding the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge is related to the reference made in the draft text to “phase down of coal power and ending the investment in new coal-fired power plants”

India has been unwilling to give up specific fuel sources (such as coal, which contributes to nearly 70% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions). This is because coal-fired plants provide a major portion of India’s energy consumption (more than 50%).

Why is India against phasing out coal?

1. Energy Demand: India heavily relies on coal for its energy needs. The country’s growing population and industrialization require a steady power supply.
2. Economic Impact: Coal mining and associated industries provide employment for a significant portion of the Indian workforce. Phasing out coal could lead to job losses and economic disruptions.
3. High Transitioning Costs: Shifting to alternative energy sources requires substantial investments in infrastructure, grid upgrades, and technology, which might be a challenge in terms of cost and implementation.
4. Lack of Reliability of Renewable Sources: While renewable energy sources like solar and wind are promising, their intermittency poses challenges in providing consistent power.
5. Singular focus on phasing out Coal and Not other fossil fuels: Developed countries (such as the USA) that have made commitments to give up coal often have other large, fossil-fuel resources as back-up.
   For instance, USA only draws about 20% of its energy from coal and at least 55% from oil and gas, with plans to increase it.

Question for practice:

India’s dependence on coal may impact its commitments under the Paris Accord. Analyse.