As the world's third-largest carbon emitter, India confronts a dilemma: how to maintain energy security through coal while addressing rising carbon emissions.
India's Coal Dependency: Seeking a Cleaner Future
India's Coal Dependency: Seeking a Cleaner Future
India's reliance on coal raises questions about emission reductions and energy sustainability.
India has a long-standing commitment to coal, essential for meeting its energy and developmental goals. However, as environmental concerns mount, experts urge the country to find ways to decarbonize its coal-fired power plants. Ashok Lavasa, a former government official, highlighted this paradox at a recent conference, asking if coal can transition to a "benevolent king" in the power sector. The need for cleaner coal is underscored by India's increasing electricity demands, which have outstripped previous forecasts. Currently, coal supplies over 70% of the nation's electricity, a statistic that remains unchanged for decades. This dependence comes with significant environmental repercussions; it's estimated that electricity generation accounts for more than 40% of India's carbon emissions, with coal being the primary culprit.
Despite recent advancements in renewable energy—now comprising 46% of total installed capacity—these sources are intermittent, requiring coal-based thermal plants to meet peak demand, particularly in the evening when sunlight and wind may not be available. Current energy storage capabilities have failed to keep pace with the growth of renewable resources, leaving thermal energy as the only reliable option for stable electricity supply until significant advancements in battery storage technology are made.
To address these issues, India is exploring ways to reduce emissions from coal-fired plants without entirely phasing out coal. A recent study suggested that decarbonizing these plants could cut national greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, aligning with its goal to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 under the UN's climate framework. Nonetheless, the challenge lies in the efficient operation of thermal plants. Regulations currently require these plants to run at a minimum capacity, even when renewable sources are available, complicating emissions reduction efforts.
Experts advocate for improving plant efficiency, incorporating carbon capture technologies, and utilizing agricultural waste as an alternative to coal. Although initiatives in Delhi have successfully reduced coal dependence, deployment remains uneven across the nation. A systematic approach is necessary for meaningful reductions, necessitating investment and commitment from various stakeholders to define who will bear these costs. The path forward for India’s energy future hinges on balancing coal's reliability with the urgent need for sustainability.
Despite recent advancements in renewable energy—now comprising 46% of total installed capacity—these sources are intermittent, requiring coal-based thermal plants to meet peak demand, particularly in the evening when sunlight and wind may not be available. Current energy storage capabilities have failed to keep pace with the growth of renewable resources, leaving thermal energy as the only reliable option for stable electricity supply until significant advancements in battery storage technology are made.
To address these issues, India is exploring ways to reduce emissions from coal-fired plants without entirely phasing out coal. A recent study suggested that decarbonizing these plants could cut national greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, aligning with its goal to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 under the UN's climate framework. Nonetheless, the challenge lies in the efficient operation of thermal plants. Regulations currently require these plants to run at a minimum capacity, even when renewable sources are available, complicating emissions reduction efforts.
Experts advocate for improving plant efficiency, incorporating carbon capture technologies, and utilizing agricultural waste as an alternative to coal. Although initiatives in Delhi have successfully reduced coal dependence, deployment remains uneven across the nation. A systematic approach is necessary for meaningful reductions, necessitating investment and commitment from various stakeholders to define who will bear these costs. The path forward for India’s energy future hinges on balancing coal's reliability with the urgent need for sustainability.
