Adding 50-GW clean energy per yr can end coal imports by 2029

If India adds 50 gigawatts of renewable energy every year, it could completely stop importing thermal coal by 2029 and save about $66 billion in foreign exchange between 2025 and 2029, according to a new report published on Monday.

- Press Trust of India

NEW DELHI:

The total savings could be at least $173 billion from 2025 to 2034, the report prepared by think tank Climate Risks Horizon said.

The climate and energy think tank said the country's electricity sector remains heavily dependent on coal imports, with around 20% or 206 million tonnes of thermal coal imported in 2023-24 at a cost of $21 billion.

Thermal coal imports have risen by 58% between 2013 and 2023, but the value of these imports has increased by 124% due to volatile global prices and a weakening rupee, it added.