Coal's Central Role in India's Energy Landscape
India remains heavily dependent on coal to fuel its growing energy needs, with coal-powered thermal plants providing over 70% of the nation's electricity. This reliance is driven by the country's vast coal reserves and the pressing demand for affordable power to support industrial growth and urbanization. Despite global calls for a shift to renewable energy, coal continues to be the backbone of India's energy matrix, as it meets daily requirements for millions of households and businesses.
The challenge lies in balancing this dependency with environmental concerns. Coal combustion is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, placing India as the world's third-largest carbon emitter. The pressure to reduce this footprint is immense, both from domestic activists and international agreements, yet the immediate phasing out of coal remains impractical for a nation with such significant energy demands.
Exploring Cleaner Coal Technologies
Amidst the environmental challenges, efforts are underway to make coal usage cleaner through advanced technologies. Innovations like Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC) plants, which can achieve up to 46% efficiency 8000 efficiency, are being explored, with projects like the NTPC-BHEL joint venture in Korba, Chhattisgarh, set to construct an 800-MW plant. Such technologies aim to reduce emissions by burning coal more efficiently, though they come with high costs, estimated at around 15,000 crores for the Korba project.
Additionally, there have been discussions around flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to cut pollution from thermal plants. However, recent policy shifts have seen the Indian government exempting 78% of thermal power plants from installing these costly systems, prioritizing cost reduction over immediate environmental benefits. Critics argue this rollback could hinder clean air initiatives, as voiced in posts found on X expressing concern over leniency towards coal-based power.
The focus on cleaner technologies also faces hurdles due to regulatory and financial constraints. While projects in states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Assam are in discussion by Coal India Limited for new thermal plants, the balance between economic viability and environmental responsibility remains a tightrope walk for policymakers.
Future Outlook: Balancing Energy Needs and Sustainability
India has made strides in renewable energy, achieving its target of 50% non-fossil fuel capacity five years ahead of schedule. Solar energy, in particular, has seen rapid growth, yet it struggles to meet evening peak demands when solar generation drops, leaving coal to fill the gap, according to a recent IEEFA report. This duality underscores the complexity of transitioning away from coal while ensuring energy security.
The government's approach appears to be a pragmatic one, focusing on incremental improvements rather than abrupt cessation of coal use. As international pressure mounts for emissions reductions, India's pathway seems to hinge on integrating cleaner coal technologies alongside renewables, though public sentiment on platforms like X shows mixed reactions to policies perceived as favoring industry over environment.