Despite being a major carbon emitter, India continues to depend on coal for energy, facing the challenge of reducing emissions while meeting rising electricity demands. Innovations in coal technology and increased efficiencies may offer solutions.
India’s Coal Conundrum: Can Cleaner Technologies Reduce Emissions?
India’s Coal Conundrum: Can Cleaner Technologies Reduce Emissions?
As India's energy demands surge, the reliance on coal remains critical, prompting discussions on making coal-fired power cleaner to meet environmental targets.
India's reliance on coal for electricity generation is a significant challenge in balancing energy security with environmental commitments. The country has continuously defended its coal usage as essential for meeting soaring energy demands. With electricity consumption projected to double by 2030, over 70% of India's electricity has come from coal since the early 2000s. This has resulted in approximately 40% of national carbon emissions originating from electricity production, predominantly from coal-fired power plants.
Experts emphasize that while a transition to renewable energy is necessary, it currently cannot meet constant demand. Wind and solar energy are variable and require complementary sources like thermal plants to maintain stability in the power grid. As Rajiv Porwal from Grid India points out, the unreliability in renewable energy distribution, compounded by limited energy storage capacity, necessitates continued dependence on thermal plants to avoid blackouts.
Recent discussions highlighted potential paths for reducing coal's environmental footprint rather than entirely phasing it out, especially given India’s commitment to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 under the UN framework. Innovations in operational efficiency and emission reduction technologies for coal plants are identified as crucial steps. A report from the Centre for Science and Environment suggests that improving coal-based thermal plants could cut the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.
However, a conundrum remains: many thermal plants must operate at a minimum capacity, limiting their ability to quickly adjust output based on renewable energy availability. Experts advocate for advanced technologies and practices, including carbon capture methods and the use of agricultural residues as alternatives to coal. Yet, systemic changes to effectively reduce emissions pose significant financial challenges.
While coal is deeply entrenched in India's energy framework, the dialogue around cleaner use continues. Small-scale initiatives and policies encouraging the shift toward cleaner technologies could play a vital role in addressing both energy needs and climate obligations, but the path forward will require concerted efforts and investment in both innovation and infrastructure.
