India coal based Energy Transition: Balancing G20’s Mandate with Sustainable Development Goals
India, which has the fourth-largest renewable energy capacity in the world, is less likely to abide by the G20 commitment to phase out unabated coal power because it continues to supply more than 70% of the nation’s electrical demands.
In addition to other actions for implementing sustainable, reasonably priced, and inclusive energy transitions, the G20 declaration, which was issued on Saturday, emphasised the need to speed up “efforts towards phasedown of unabated coal power.”
The burden on customers will only grow if CCUS is implemented. The technique is less likely to be used anytime soon since distribution businesses (discoms) currently struggle to recoup their costs.
According to the National Electricity Plan (NEP), India can only lower the proportion of coal power in its overall energy mix, even though neither the use of CCUS nor a reduction in coal power are likely to be popular for at least ten years.
The G20, a group comprising the world’s largest economies, has been at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change and transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. One of the key areas of focus for the G20 in recent years has been reducing the reliance on coal-based power generation, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
India, as one of the G20 member countries and a nation with a significant share of coal-based power generation, faces a challenging mandate to transition away from coal.
The G20 has consistently stressed the urgency of phasing out coal-based power generation to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Coal is not only a major source of carbon dioxide emissions but also contributes to air pollution, which has detrimental effects on public health.
In 2021, the G20 reaffirmed its commitment to combating climate change by endorsing the “G20 Rome Declaration on Clean Energy Transition.” This declaration emphasized the importance of transitioning away from unabated coal power generation.
The G20 member countries committed to phasing out unabated coal power generation. Unabated coal refers to the use of coal without carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which allows for the capture of carbon emissions.
The G20 recognized the importance of supporting communities and workers affected by the transition away from coal. This includes providing opportunities for retraining and alternative employment in clean energy sectors.
G20 members pledged to increase investments in clean energy technologies, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, to accelerate the transition away from coal.
India has a complex relationship with coal. It is one of the world’s largest coal producers and consumers, and coal-based power generation plays a significant role in meeting the country’s energy needs.
India has a large population with limited access to reliable electricity. Coal has historically been a reliable and affordable source of energy, making it challenging to completely phase out.
India’s energy security concerns have been tied to the availability of domestic coal reserves. Transitioning away from coal may increase dependence on energy imports, which could have economic and geopolitical implications.The coal sector in India provides employment to a significant number of people. A sudden transition away from coal could result in job losses and economic disruptions in coal-dependent regions.
Transitioning to cleaner energy sources requires significant infrastructure investments in renewable energy and grid upgrades. India faces challenges in mobilizing these resources efficiently.Coal has historically been a politically sensitive issue in India, and the government faces pressure from various stakeholders, including the coal industry and labor unions.
India has made significant investments in renewable energy, including solar and wind power. The country aims to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030.
India has implemented energy efficiency measures, such as the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme, which incentivizes industries to reduce energy consumption.
India is exploring the potential of CCS technology to reduce emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.
The Indian government is working on policies to ensure a just transition for coal-dependent communities and workers, including skill development and job creation in clean energy sectors.
Meeting the G20’s mandate on coal-based power is undoubtedly a tall order for India. Balancing the need for energy security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability presents a complex challenge.
However, India’s commitment to renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, and just transition policies reflects a willingness to address these challenges head-on.
As the world watches India’s progress in phasing out coal, it becomes evident that success in this endeavor will require collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to building a sustainable and cleaner energy future for the country and the world.
The G20’s mandate serves as a vital framework for global cooperation in the fight against climate change, and India’s actions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of coal-based power generation.
