From the Editor’s Desk

India’s reliance on coal is not likely to wean off quickly, instead recent trends and analysis suggest that the thrust on coal will remain sturdy primarily due to uncertainties in the global energy sector and supply chain disruptions due to the Russia- Ukraine war.

The dependence on coal-based thermal energy is expected to ascend despite the country’s vigorous efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. If we were to focus on India’s power sector, the future of the coal- driven sector looks robust. Coal fuels more than 70% of India’s power generation and 2022 saw coal-fired power plants ramping up generation by about 10% to address higher demand.

A boost in economic activity and the heatwave during the first quarter of 2022 triggered an increase in power demand and the demand surge is anticipated to persist in 2023-24. As coal demand looks at continuing in the near future, there might come a time when the country will gradually have to cut down on its usage.

In the global arena, India’s stance on the development of coal-based power, especially in the context of reducing emissions from it, stands at a critical juncture. India is marching towards becoming a global leader in the area of climate change mitigation and must create a special place for itself to compete with countries leading the cause most effectively.

Along with understanding the relevance of a coal-ridden future, Coal India Limited (CIL) is leaving no stone unturned to commit itself to becoming a net zero energy firm. As a positive step towards diversification, the company has begun focusing on renewables as well. In its endeavor to meet the country’s coal demand,CIL registered a production growth and also increased its despatch in January.

Looking at the energy scenario in Europe, with limited carbon-free resources like nuclear and renewables, the continent witnessed a significant comeback of coal to supply electricity. With the global energy sector undergoing considerable changes and gas prices likely to remain volatile, the winds are more in favor of European coal-led power generators. While renewable energy plays a vital role in addressing energy security and affordability issues, the resurgence of coal will be imminent in the times to come as well.

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