UK Shuts Last Coal Plant as India Maintains Coal in Energy Mix
COAL & MINING

UK Shuts Last Coal Plant as India Maintains Coal in Energy Mix

As the UK officially closed its last coal power plant signaling its exit from coal-based energy, policy experts in India emphasized that coal will remain part of India's energy mix for the foreseeable future. While developed nations like the UK are moving towards coal-free energy systems by 2040, India faces unique challenges as a developing country with substantial energy demands.

The UK's closure of its last coal plant marks a significant moment in energy history, as the country had been one of the pioneers of coal power since 1882. According to global energy think tank Ember, more than a third of OECD countries are now coal-free, with the majority expected to eliminate coal power by 2030 to align with climate goals limiting warming to 1.5°C.

However, in India, coal remains the backbone of its energy system, powering industries like steel and cement and accounting for 75% of electricity generation in 2023-24, up from 71% in 2019-20. Sunil Dahiya, an independent energy analyst, stated that while coal is not going anywhere in the near term, India must focus on reducing emissions from coal plants through advanced technologies and efficiency improvements.

India's transition to renewable energy is underway, yet coal is expected to remain a major player. Climate activist Harjeet Singh highlighted the challenges India faces with renewable energy, such as the intermittent nature of solar and wind and the lack of large-scale battery storage. He called for international financial and technological support to help India phase out coal while ensuring a just transition for both people and the environment.

Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, remarked that the West's focus on coal while neglecting oil and natural gas is hypocritical. He stressed that India’s emissions will increase before they peak and eventually decline, indicating that India is committed to achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reinforced that coal is essential for the country’s development, noting that it cannot yet rely solely on imported oil and gas. While India is making progress in renewable energy, it remains heavily dependent on coal, the most affordable and reliable source of electricity for the time being.

As the UK officially closed its last coal power plant signaling its exit from coal-based energy, policy experts in India emphasized that coal will remain part of India's energy mix for the foreseeable future. While developed nations like the UK are moving towards coal-free energy systems by 2040, India faces unique challenges as a developing country with substantial energy demands. The UK's closure of its last coal plant marks a significant moment in energy history, as the country had been one of the pioneers of coal power since 1882. According to global energy think tank Ember, more than a third of OECD countries are now coal-free, with the majority expected to eliminate coal power by 2030 to align with climate goals limiting warming to 1.5°C. However, in India, coal remains the backbone of its energy system, powering industries like steel and cement and accounting for 75% of electricity generation in 2023-24, up from 71% in 2019-20. Sunil Dahiya, an independent energy analyst, stated that while coal is not going anywhere in the near term, India must focus on reducing emissions from coal plants through advanced technologies and efficiency improvements. India's transition to renewable energy is underway, yet coal is expected to remain a major player. Climate activist Harjeet Singh highlighted the challenges India faces with renewable energy, such as the intermittent nature of solar and wind and the lack of large-scale battery storage. He called for international financial and technological support to help India phase out coal while ensuring a just transition for both people and the environment. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, remarked that the West's focus on coal while neglecting oil and natural gas is hypocritical. He stressed that India’s emissions will increase before they peak and eventually decline, indicating that India is committed to achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2070. India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reinforced that coal is essential for the country’s development, noting that it cannot yet rely solely on imported oil and gas. While India is making progress in renewable energy, it remains heavily dependent on coal, the most affordable and reliable source of electricity for the time being.

Next Story
Building Material

Trishakti Industries Secures Major Tata Steel Order

Trishakti Industries Limited has secured a significant order from Tata Steel Ltd for the deployment of advanced machinery and skilled manpower at one of the steel major’s flagship project sites.The contract, awarded domestically, involves the hiring of machines along with manpower, with execution set to be completed by 20th September 2025. The initial contract period is 12 months. The total fresh capital expenditure for the project is approximately Rs 1.5 million, while the overall contract value is expected to exceed Rs 5 million inclusive of taxes.This order marks a reinforcement of top-ti..

Next Story
Real Estate

Kalpataru Projects Secures Rs 27.2 Billion in New Orders

Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), a leading EPC player in the power transmission and distribution (T&D) and civil infrastructure sector, along with its international subsidiaries, has received new orders and notifications for projects worth approximately Rs 27.2 billion.The projects include:Power Transmission & Distribution (T&D) initiatives in India and overseas.Buildings and Factories (B&F) projects in India.Manish Mohnot, MD & CEO of KPIL, said, “We are delighted with the strong ordering momentum in our T&D and B&F businesses. The orders include ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

ACME Solar Secures Rs 38.92 Billion Financing for Barmer Project

ACME Solar Holdings rose 2.05 per cent to Rs 308.50 after its wholly owned subsidiary, ACME Venus Urja, secured long-term project financing of Rs 38.92 billion from the State Bank of India (SBI).The funds will be utilised for the development and construction of a 400 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project in Barmer, Rajasthan. The loan repayment is structured over 19 years.The Barmer-based FDRE project is contracted with NHPC at a tariff of Rs 4.64 per unit. It will integrate solar power generation with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ensure higher reliability and d..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?