Despite international pressures to phase out coal, India recognizes the need for cleaner coal-fired power generation as the country grapples with soaring electricity demand. Experts suggest decarbonization and technological adaptations could meet both energy security and environmental goals.
Can India Transition to Cleaner Coal-Fired Energy Amidst Growing Demand?
Can India Transition to Cleaner Coal-Fired Energy Amidst Growing Demand?
As India faces increasing energy demands, experts discuss the necessity for cleaner coal technologies to mitigate emissions while maintaining energy security.
India's reliance on coal remains steadfast as the nation grapples with a burgeoning energy demand that continues to grow significantly. With coal accounting for more than 70% of its electricity supply, India has taken a firm stance on utilizing this fossil fuel, despite the clear environmental consequences. The burgeoning demand for electricity, exceeding previous predictions, reflects a critical need for energy stability in a rapidly developing economy.
The reliance on coal has seen India emerge as the third-largest carbon emitter globally, stirring international calls for a transition away from this pollutant energy source. At a recent event, former Indian secretary Ashok Lavasa encapsulated this dichotomy: “You can’t wish away coal. The question is, if coal is king, can it be a benevolent king?” The pressing question of how to transition toward cleaner energy sources while maintaining current electricity supplies is a delicate balancing act for the nation.
Experts note that India’s power demand is expected to double by 2030, which complicates the push for renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are variable and dependent on weather patterns. Renewables currently account for about 46% of installed energy capacity, yet their intermittent nature means that coal-fired plants continue to play a crucial role in stabilizing energy supply during peak demand hours.
Electricity generated from coal makes up over 40% of India's annual carbon emissions, prompting calls for improved efficiency at thermal plants. With solutions like CO2 capture technologies and agricultural waste substitutions for coal emerging as plausible strategies, the road ahead is indubitably rife with challenges. Recent studies indicate that transitioning to cleaner technologies could result in a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from coal.
However, experts highlight systemic changes and infrastructural upgrades as necessary for effective implementation, which raises the question of potential costs and distribution of financial responsibility. As the global call for climate action intensifies, India's approach appears to be one of measured adaptation, aiming to reduce emissions while acknowledging coal's crucial role in its energy mix. The journey toward cleaner coal may be long and complex, but it represents a vital step in the country’s energy future.
