Thermal coal demand to increase to 1,500 mt: Coal Ministry

Ministry of Coal, Pralhad Joshi, told the media that to meet India's energy demand which will double by 2040, thermal coal requirement would increase to around 1,500 million tonnes (mt) in the next 18 years. He said that there was a need to be conscious of the environment and keep in view the sustainable mining goals. He added that the expected electricity generation by 2040 would be around 3,000 billion units. India's power demand was expected to double by 2040. To cater to the rising demand, thermal coal demand by 2040 would increase to nearly 1,500 mt. During his visit to NLC India Limited at Neyeli, he said that the best efforts are undergoing to balance the dependence on coal and lignite with the development of renewable power and the transition to green energy. NLC India said that the Coal Minister emphasised the importance of coal in the country's energy security. The Minister said that India has a balanced energy mix, helping the country move toward its energy-environmental goals and shift to clean energy. Image Source Also read: Coal demand expects to grow in India: Coal Ministry