An Indian coal industry group, FutureCoal, argues that new technologies can make coal a sustainable energy source for India. However, coal remains a major contributor to climate change, with thermal power plants generating nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Sunil Chaturvedi, a member of the FutureCoal board, is optimistic about the future of coal in India. He believes new technologies exist that can make the entire coal lifecycle – extraction, use, combustion, and post-treatment – significantly more sustainable. These technologies, he claims, can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal by up to 99%.
FutrueCoal, a global industry group, speaks for all aspects of the coal industry (from mining to power generation) and aims to promote the role of coal in the energy mix.
Chaturvedi also pointed out that 70% of India’s electricity comes from coal. He highlights that India has transitioned to cleaner-burning supercritical and ultra supercritical technologies in the past 15 years, suggesting the country is making efforts to improve coal combustion efficiency and reduce pollution.
Chaturvedi acknowledges that advancements have been made, but there’s still room for improvement. He emphasizes that coal’s uses extend beyond electricity generation, suggesting continued reliance on the resource.
Even with a projected decrease in coal-based power generation to 30-35% by 2030, India is expected to require 1.5 billion tonnes of coal annually. This indicates a continued need for increased coal production within the country.
FutureCoal’s CEO, Michelle Manook, expressed optimism about the future of coal in India.
Michelle Manook, CEO of FutureCoal, emphasizes the vast economic impact of the coal industry. She highlights that the coal value chain, encompassing power generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, and other sectors, contributes hundreds of billions to the global economy and functions as a complex, interconnected network.
