India and the true cost of coal | FT Film

India’s Coal Conundrum: A Deep Dive

Key Concepts:

• Net Zero Emissions: Achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and removed from the atmosphere. India’s target is 2070.
• Just Transition: A framework for phasing out fossil fuels while ensuring economic and social equity for affected workers and communities.
• Thermal Power Plants: Power plants that use heat generated from burning fuel (primarily coal) to produce electricity.
• Renewable Energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed (e.g., solar, wind).
• Common but Differentiated Responsibilities: A principle in international environmental law acknowledging that all countries have a responsibility to address environmental issues, but developed countries have a greater responsibility due to their historical contributions to the problem.
• First Mile Connectivity: Infrastructure to efficiently transport coal from the mine to loading points for further distribution.
• Fracking: A technique used to extract natural gas from shale rock formations.

I. The Pervasive Role of Coal in India

Coal is deeply ingrained in India’s socio-economic fabric, extending beyond electricity generation to impact nearly every sector. From the ironer of shirts to the chai maker, the economic chain is inextricably linked to coal consumption. India possesses abundant coal reserves, estimated to last for 100-150 years, fueling its rapid economic growth and urbanization. Currently, 70-75% of India’s electricity is generated from coal, despite a growing, though slower, contribution from renewable energy sources (currently over 10%). The coal industry directly employs hundreds of thousands and supports the livelihoods of approximately 20 million people, making a rapid transition exceptionally complex. As Bharti Chhaturvedi states, “Coal is a really complex creature because it's brought so much hope to this country.”

II. Scale and Significance of Coal Mining – The GRA Mine

The GRA coal mine in Chhattisgarh exemplifies the scale of India’s coal operations. It is the second largest mine globally and the largest in Asia, supplying seven states and 17-20 thermal power plants. The mine boasts a production capacity of 60 million tons and a strike length of around 10 km. Efforts are being made to mitigate environmental impact through first-mile connectivity with rapid loading systems to reduce dust emissions, fixed sprinklers, and mist sprays during mining operations. However, the inherent environmental consequences remain a significant concern.

III. Historical Context and Nationalization of the Coal Industry

Industrial coal production in India began in the late 1800s under British colonial rule, initially as a privately held industry spearheaded by the East India Company. A pivotal shift occurred in 1971-1973 with the nationalization of coal mining, leading to the formation of Coal India Limited (CIL), a state-owned enterprise. Today, CIL dominates the industry, alongside participation from major Indian groups like Adani and Tata. Over the past 50 years, coal has become the primary fuel for power generation, and India has also become a significant importer of coal from Indonesia, South Africa, and Australia.

IV. The Environmental and Health Costs of Coal Dependence

Despite economic benefits, coal consumption carries substantial environmental and health costs. India is the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, and coal is a major pollutant. Over 1 billion people in India are exposed to air pollution annually, leading to adverse health effects. Dr. Devi Shetty, a chest surgeon, highlights the alarming changes he’s observed in lung health over his 35-year career, describing lungs increasingly filled with carbon and toxins. He estimates that long-term exposure to air pollution contributes to 1.5 million deaths per year in India. He emphasizes that pollution is not consistently recorded as a cause of death, hindering adequate attention to the issue. As he states, “A sick society cannot have good development.”

V. India’s Climate Commitments and the Net Zero Target

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. This commitment is debated within the context of developed nations phasing out coal earlier, benefiting from cleaner energy sources like natural gas (enabled by fracking in the US and large gas supplies in Europe). However, natural gas is expensive and not readily available domestically for India. India advocates for “common but differentiated responsibilities,” arguing that its historical emissions are low (less than 5%) given its large population and that developed countries should bear a greater burden in addressing climate change. The government’s approach is to “do what works for Indians,” prioritizing energy security alongside environmental concerns.

VI. The Role of Renewable Energy and the Challenges of Transition

Renewable energy is gaining traction in India, accounting for approximately 80-85% of new power generation capacity in the last five years. Companies like Renew Power are actively expanding renewable energy infrastructure, including wind, solar, and storage solutions. However, a complete transition away from coal faces significant hurdles. The just transition concept is crucial, recognizing the economic dependence on coal and the need for localized solutions. Sudh Shvasta, a lawyer and activist, points out the disruption caused by mining – displacement of communities, destruction of land and vegetation, and pollution. He highlights the complex economic ecosystem surrounding coal, encompassing mining, transportation, washing, and ash management. The geographical disparity between coal-dependent regions (primarily in the east) and renewable energy potential (west and north) further complicates the transition.

VII. Perspectives on the Future of Coal in India

Experts offer varying perspectives on the future of coal in India. Some believe coal will continue to play a significant role for decades, while others foresee a gradual decline. Sumant Sinha, Chairman and CEO of Renew Power, predicts that coal-based power generation will decrease by a few percentage points annually as renewable energy expands. He suggests nuclear power could eventually replace some coal plants. However, he acknowledges that a complete shift from 70% to 30% coal dependence will take at least 25 years. Ultimately, the future of coal in India is contingent on factors such as cost competitiveness, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. As one expert notes, “Coal lights up the economy, lights up the country in a way lights up society. I mean coal will definitely be faced down yes but not faced out completely.”

Data & Statistics:

• 70-75%: Percentage of India’s electricity generated from coal.
• >10%: Current percentage of India’s electricity generated from renewable energy.
• 60 million tons: Annual production capacity of the GRA coal mine.
• 10 km: Strike length of the GRA coal mine.
• 20 million: Approximate number of people dependent on the coal industry for their livelihood.
• 1.5 million: Estimated number of deaths per year in India attributable to long-term exposure to air pollution.
• 2070: India’s target year for achieving net-zero emissions.
• 80-85%: Percentage of new power generation capacity in India coming from renewables in the last 5 years.
• 1.4 billion: India’s population (as of the video’s context).

Conclusion:

India faces a complex energy dilemma. While coal remains crucial for its economic growth, energy security, and poverty alleviation, its environmental and health consequences are undeniable. Navigating this challenge requires a balanced approach that prioritizes a just transition, invests in renewable energy, addresses pollution at its source, and acknowledges the historical context of emissions. The path forward will likely involve a gradual decline in coal dependence, coupled with a sustained commitment to sustainable development and public health.