India has historically taken a firm stance on coal, regarding it as essential for its energy security and developmental growth. However, experts and environmental activists are now advocating for the reduction of carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, emphasizing that while coal may remain a cornerstone of India's energy landscape, it must be managed more responsibly. Ashok Lavasa, a former government official, pointed out the dilemma: "You can't wish away coal," he stated, suggesting that if coal is a necessary resource, efforts should focus on making it cleaner rather than eliminating it altogether.
India's coal dependency is underscored by rising electricity demands. Projections indicate that the country's electricity consumption is set to double by 2030, with coal-based power generation consistently supplying over 70% of its electricity needs since the early 2000s. While the country has made strides in renewable energy, accounting for 46% of its total installed capacity, it still struggles with the inherent limitations of renewable sources, which depend on favorable weather conditions and are unable to provide a stable supply during peak demand times.
Compounding this issue is India's inadequate energy storage capacity, which fails to align with the increasing generation of renewable energy. Experts assert that thermal power remains indispensable for grid stability, as any substantial imbalance between demand and supply can lead to severe disruptions, similar to the power crises experienced in other countries.
Recent discussions have highlighted the need for India to pursue emissions reductions instead of a complete phase-out of coal. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment asserts that transforming coal-fired plants could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, aligning with India's commitment to decrease emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 under international climate agreements.
Nevertheless, challenges loom large. Thermal plants typically need to operate at least at 55% capacity throughout the day, which limits their flexibility in adapting to varying renewable energy outputs. Improving efficiency is critical, and experts suggest that exploring technologies to capture carbon emissions could prove beneficial, although their current effectiveness remains debated.
Moreover, transitioning to the use of agricultural residue as a coal substitute has shown promise, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi. Yet, adoption in other regions has been slow, even with regulatory frameworks necessitating such changes.
In conclusion, while the path forward will demand significant systemic adjustments and financial investment, determining the associated costs and responsibilities remains an unresolved issue. As India grapples with its coal dependence, the need for cleaner energy solutions becomes increasingly urgent.
India's coal dependency is underscored by rising electricity demands. Projections indicate that the country's electricity consumption is set to double by 2030, with coal-based power generation consistently supplying over 70% of its electricity needs since the early 2000s. While the country has made strides in renewable energy, accounting for 46% of its total installed capacity, it still struggles with the inherent limitations of renewable sources, which depend on favorable weather conditions and are unable to provide a stable supply during peak demand times.
Compounding this issue is India's inadequate energy storage capacity, which fails to align with the increasing generation of renewable energy. Experts assert that thermal power remains indispensable for grid stability, as any substantial imbalance between demand and supply can lead to severe disruptions, similar to the power crises experienced in other countries.
Recent discussions have highlighted the need for India to pursue emissions reductions instead of a complete phase-out of coal. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment asserts that transforming coal-fired plants could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, aligning with India's commitment to decrease emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 under international climate agreements.
Nevertheless, challenges loom large. Thermal plants typically need to operate at least at 55% capacity throughout the day, which limits their flexibility in adapting to varying renewable energy outputs. Improving efficiency is critical, and experts suggest that exploring technologies to capture carbon emissions could prove beneficial, although their current effectiveness remains debated.
Moreover, transitioning to the use of agricultural residue as a coal substitute has shown promise, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi. Yet, adoption in other regions has been slow, even with regulatory frameworks necessitating such changes.
In conclusion, while the path forward will demand significant systemic adjustments and financial investment, determining the associated costs and responsibilities remains an unresolved issue. As India grapples with its coal dependence, the need for cleaner energy solutions becomes increasingly urgent.
