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

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.