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Source: The post is based on the article “WHY INDIA CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT DIRTY COAL- Despite the bad optics, India needs to keep burning coal and open up more mines” published in “Live Mint” on 3rd October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- Infrastructure (energy)
News: The author talks about India’s struggle to balance between using clean solar energy and dirty coal energy. Even with big solar projects, India can’t quit coal due to huge power demands, reliable energy needs, and jobs that coal industry provides.
What is the current scenario of energy in India?
Coal Energy in India:
India maintains significant reliance on coal, with plans to escalate production from 900 million tonnes to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030.
Coal-based power is slated to rise, adding nearly 30GW this decade, totaling nearly 300GW by 2030.
Despite environmental concerns, it caters to robust energy demands, like the record 240GW demand in early September.
Renewable Energy in India:
Renewable Energy: Targeted to reach 500GW by 2030, with current reliance on solar energy at 71GW, yet reliability during peak demand and seasonal variations restrict its sole usage.
Natural Gas: Considered cleaner than coal, but health effects and NOx emissions, albeit minimal, still exist and it isn’t expanding in India due to factors like reduced production from the Krishna Godavari basin.
Even though renewables will have higher installed capacity, coal remains dominant in actual electricity generation, retaining about 55% share, versus solar’s 23% by 2030.
Why can’t India quit coal energy?
India can’t quit coal energy because:
High Energy Demand: The nation’s energy demand is soaring, with per capita electricity consumption doubling from 631 units in 2005 to 1255 units in 2022, and it’s projected to grow over 40% soon.
Dependable Energy: Unlike solar and wind energy, coal provides a steady and reliable power supply, crucial for maintaining economic growth and meeting consistently high energy demands.
Insufficient Renewable Capacity: Despite having a large installed capacity of renewables by 2030, the actual electricity generation from these sources will be significantly lower due to factors like weather and plant load factors.
Job Provision: The coal industry provides jobs to around 1.2 million people directly, which is crucial for employment in certain regions.
Expansion of Thermal Power: India plans to enhance its coal production to meet increasing energy needs, going from 900 million tonnes to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030, underpinning its continued reliance on coal.
Economic Stability: Consistent coal power supports India’s rapidly growing economy, ensuring a stable energy supply even when renewables are inconsistent.
