India's Mineral Dependency and Coal Phase-Down: Economic Survey 2023-24
COAL & MINING

India's Mineral Dependency and Coal Phase-Down: Economic Survey 2023-24

The Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled in Parliament emphasizes the urgent need for India to recognize and tackle the challenges posed by its dependence on China for critical minerals, essential for e-mobility and renewable energy. It also underscores the need to evaluate the economic impacts of phasing down coal on bank balance sheets as India accelerates its green transition.

As part of its national commitment to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has pledged to reduce emissions by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, achieve 50% cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources, and create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.

The report highlights the necessity of addressing the challenges posed by reliance on China for critical minerals, crucial for e-mobility and renewable energy generation. It also points out the need to examine the impact of reducing coal use on Indian Railways' freight revenues and the overall balance sheets of banks.

Internationally, India has faced pressure from developed countries to rapidly phase down unabated coal power. At forums such as the annual UN climate conferences, India has defended the coal interests of the Global South, arguing that historically responsible developed nations should not hinder the development of these regions. India currently relies on coal for about 70% of its power generation.

The economic survey also stresses the importance of developing or acquiring affordable storage technology for renewable energy, considering India's limited land and capital resources. It calls for a decision on the role and share of nuclear energy in the national energy mix.

According to the International Energy Agency, China commissioned as much solar PV in 2023 as the entire world did in 2022, with significant growth in wind additions. The survey also underscores nuclear energy as the cleanest and safest option, despite public concerns over rare but impactful events like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima.

Lastly, the survey calls for consistency in e-mobility policies, ensuring the optimal energy mix and grid stability for widespread adoption. It also suggests studying the implications of replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric ones, particularly on petrol and diesel sales and the associated tax revenues.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled in Parliament emphasizes the urgent need for India to recognize and tackle the challenges posed by its dependence on China for critical minerals, essential for e-mobility and renewable energy. It also underscores the need to evaluate the economic impacts of phasing down coal on bank balance sheets as India accelerates its green transition. As part of its national commitment to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, India has pledged to reduce emissions by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, achieve 50% cumulative electric installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources, and create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover. The report highlights the necessity of addressing the challenges posed by reliance on China for critical minerals, crucial for e-mobility and renewable energy generation. It also points out the need to examine the impact of reducing coal use on Indian Railways' freight revenues and the overall balance sheets of banks. Internationally, India has faced pressure from developed countries to rapidly phase down unabated coal power. At forums such as the annual UN climate conferences, India has defended the coal interests of the Global South, arguing that historically responsible developed nations should not hinder the development of these regions. India currently relies on coal for about 70% of its power generation. The economic survey also stresses the importance of developing or acquiring affordable storage technology for renewable energy, considering India's limited land and capital resources. It calls for a decision on the role and share of nuclear energy in the national energy mix. According to the International Energy Agency, China commissioned as much solar PV in 2023 as the entire world did in 2022, with significant growth in wind additions. The survey also underscores nuclear energy as the cleanest and safest option, despite public concerns over rare but impactful events like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. Lastly, the survey calls for consistency in e-mobility policies, ensuring the optimal energy mix and grid stability for widespread adoption. It also suggests studying the implications of replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric ones, particularly on petrol and diesel sales and the associated tax revenues.

Next Story
Real Estate

Platinum Corp Launches Bespoke Presidential Suites

Platinum Corp has launched Platinum Stellar: Bespoke Presidential Suites, a luxury residential project on Main Avenue in Santacruz, Mumbai. The project has been positioned as a boutique, design-led development for high-net-worth individuals, business owners and legacy residents from the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz belt.The project has been developed in collaboration with celebrity interior designer Sussanne Khan and follows a design-first approach inspired by Art Deco architecture. It incorporates refined detailing, spacious layouts, premium material palettes and arrival experiences planned to creat..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Adani Airport City Plans Rs 200 Bn Investment

Adani Airport City Limited (AACL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), has announced a programme to develop integrated airport cities across its airport network. The first phase will involve an investment of more than Rs 20,000 crore and cover around 22 million sq ft across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur and Guwahati.The development spans over 655 acres across six airports in five states. Nearly 440 acres are located in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, which will receive close to 70 per cent of the planned investment. The focus reflects the Mumbai Metrop..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Vedanta contributes Rs 627.22 billion to exchequer

Vedanta Limited contributed Rs 627.22 billion to the exchequer in FY26, according to its 11th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution accounted for 36 per cent of the company’s consolidated revenue from operations and reflected its focus on transparent governance, fiscal discipline and nation-building.The FY26 contribution marked a 13.3 per cent increase over the previous year. Vedanta’s cumulative contribution to the exchequer over the past decade reached Rs 4.83 trillion. The company said the Group ranks among India’s top three private-sector contributors to the national exchequer.Th..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement