Revamping Energy: India’s Call for Domestic Coal Adoption

In a significant move towards harnessing its abundant coal resources, Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi mentioned that the government will plea to imported coal-based power plants to change their technology and design so that those can be run on domestic coal. While highlighting the abundance of fossil fuel in the country, the coal and mines minister stated that the request would be made in a year or two.  

Thermal power plants—residential coal-based plants or imported coal-based plants—acquire domestic or imported coal independently and in accordance with their needs. Thermal power plants and generators have frequently imported coal based on their desire, necessity, and commercial prudence because coal has been available under an open general licence since 1993. 

Dependency on Coal

Indian energy has historically been primarily derived from coal. Historically and economically, the nation has relied heavily on coal, which is deeply rooted in the energy mix. Coal has traditionally been the primary source of electricity generation in India. Many thermal power plants nationwide are coal-fired, contributing significantly to the energy grid. India has power plants that are exclusively reliant on imported coal, and domestic coal-based facilities have been importing coal for blending since 2009.

“We will request to change the technology and design of imported coal-based power plants. The country will have so much coal,” Joshi said. The minister had earlier stressed that the government intends to lower the import share of coal to 2% in the next financial year and finally reduce it to zero in 2025-26. 

India on Coal

Recent endeavours prioritise decreasing coal dependence and elevating the share of renewable energy in India’s energy mix. Government programs like the National Solar Mission underscore a dedication to a sustainable energy transition. Nevertheless, the journey addresses economic, technological, and infrastructural challenges linked to diminishing reliance on coal. 

According to the Finance Minister, India’s goal to switch to renewable energy has been derailed. Thus, strategies to wean the country from its reliance on coal and move back toward more environmentally friendly energy sources must be developed. India is becoming increasingly dependent on coal despite its strong push toward green energy, as noted by Avinash Kumar, the lead for climate and energy campaigns at Greenpeace India.

India stands at a crucial juncture in its energy journey, where the delicate equilibrium between coal dependency and the green energy drive requires thoughtful consideration and innovative solutions. The country’s position in the global movement toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future will depend on how well it handles these obstacles.