Lok Sabha Question No. 81 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-02
Subject: Shifting from Coal Based Economy
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: D.K. Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No.81 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.02.2022

## Shifting from Coal Based Economy

## 81. SHRI D.K. SURESH:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is to abide by its net-zero commitment through coal phasedown in the country;
- (b) if so, the said commitment causes to increased emphasis on atomic energy generation and if so, the details thereof?
- (c) whether the Government currently has any plans to shift from a coal-based economy to an atomic energy based economy; and
- (d) if so, the response of the Government in this regard?

## Answer

## MINISTER OF  PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES

## (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India and accounts for 55% of the country's energy need. Commercial primary energy consumption in  India  has  grown by about 700% in the last four decades. The current per capita commercial primary energy consumption  in India is about 350 kgoe/year.  Coal is not only the primary source of energy in the country but is also used as an intermediary by many industries such as steel, sponge iron, cement, paper, brick-kilns etc. Similarly, with increase in growth of industries using coal, their demand for coal has also been increasing; hence, there has been an overall increase in the demand of coal over the years.

Overarching decisions titled 'Glasgow Climate Pact' reflect the following agreement between parties with regard to coal and fossil fuel subsidies:

' Calls upon Parties to accelerate the development, deployment and dissemination  of  technologies,  and  the  adoption  of  policies,  to  transition towards  low  emission  energy  systems,  including  by  rapidly  scaling  up  the deployment of clean power generation and energy efficiency measures, including accelerating efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and  phase-out  of  inefficient  fossil  fuel  subsidies,  while  providing  targeted support to the poorest and most vulnerable in line with National circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition'.

It  is  evident  that  above  paragraph is  not  mandating the  phase  down  of  coal power,  and  it  is not  setting  any  timelines for  the  phase  down.   Further,  the paragraph is only 'calling upon' Parties to accelerate efforts towards the phase down  of unabated coal power in line with national circumstances and recognizing the need for support towards a just transition.

Accordingly, while India has committed to clean energy; the pace of transition to  cleaner  energy  sources  in  India  is  to  be  viewed  in  the  light  of  national circumstances, and principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective  capabilities,  the  transfer  of  climate  finance  and  low  cost  climate technologies.

(b)to(d): Being an affordable source of energy with substantial reserve, coal is going to stay as major source of energy in the foreseeable future. Despite push for renewables, country will require base load capacity of coal-based generation for stability and also for energy security.

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