According to the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) Report, India’s coal mines are severely underutilized, despite plans to establish new ones. GEM is an organization that globally monitors fuel-source utilization, focusing on how the international energy landscape evolves. By creating databases, reports, and interactive tools, it enhances global understanding.
The Coal Crisis of 2021
In 2021, India suffered a severe coal crisis when coal stocks fell under the required 25% at over 100 of its 285 thermal power plants. This provoked power shortages in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
GEM Report Findings and the Risks of New Coal Mines
The crisis resulted in the Indian government initiating new coal projects, with 99 projects currently under construction. These have the potential to produce 427 million tonnes of coal annually, despite India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The development of these new mines puts 165 villages and 87,630 families at risk of displacement, with 41,508 of these families belonging to Scheduled Tribes.
Underutilization of Coal Mines
India’s coal mines operate under two-thirds of their capacity on average, with larger mines using only 1%. The GEM report suggests that starting new projects to address a temporary coal shortage may be unnecessary considering the current underutilization.
Delay in a Clean Energy Future
These new coal mines could increase India’s likelihood of stranded assets, and delay progress towards a clean energy future. They might also cause irreversible impacts on rural communities and environments due to economically precarious mining activities.
Potential for Increased Water Shortage
New coal projects could worsen water shortages by increasing demand by 1,68,041 kilolitres per day. Of the new capacity of 427 MTPA, 159 MTPA will be located in high-risk water zones, while 230 MTPA is planned for extreme water risk zones.
The Imperative to Move Away from Coal
Given the looming threat of global warming, it’s crucial to reduce the use of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil, which currently meet about 80% of the world’s energy needs. Coal, which emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas and about 60% more than oil, is the most problematic. With the power sector in India accounting for 49% of total carbon dioxide emissions, changing energy sources is particularly urgent.
Understanding Coal
Coal, often known as ‘Black Gold’, is a type of fossil fuel found in sedimentary rocks. It is a conventional source of energy used as a domestic fuel, in industries such as iron and steel, steam engines, and for producing electricity known as thermal power. The leading coal producers include China, US, Australia, Indonesia, and India.
Coal Distribution in India
In India, Gondwana coal fields, which are 250 million years old, make up 98% of the total reserves and 99% of the country’s coal production. Gondwana coal forms India’s metallurgical grade and superior quality coal, while tertiary coal fields, which are 15 – 60 million years old, contain low carbon but high moisture and sulphur content.
Classification of Coal
There are four types of coal: Anthracite, Bituminous, Lignite, and Peat, each with different carbon contents and moisture levels. Their distribution varies across India.
Past UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Past examination questions have focused on the nationalization of the coal sector, the characteristics of Indian coal, and the environmental impact of coal mining. Students are advised to study these topics in depth for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
