India says hard to transition from coal to renewable energy

Coal use set to rise to power economy, support livelihoods despite climate pledge: Official

- Nirmala Ganapathy

India cannot end its dependence on coal, with consumption expected to go up in absolute terms to power an economy that is crucial to the livelihoods of vulnerable people, said officials.

Their comments come as India faces criticism for diluting a coal pledge at the recent COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow.

The country is dependent on coal for electricity generation even though it has committed to meeting 50 per cent of its energy requirement through renewable energy by 2030.

“India depends on coal and fuel subsidies, it is not an easy transition to phase out coal. We can’t just force people without making allowances for the vulnerable,” said a government official who did not want to be named.

“While there will be an overall reduction of coal’s contribution to electricity generation in percentage terms, there will still be some increase in absolute terms.”

He added that India’s energy needs are growing and yet to peak.