Power sector’s coal demand to rise to around 1,500 MT by 2040: Joshi

• While the expected electricity generation by 2040 would be approximately 3,000 Billion Units (BU), India's energy demand was set to double by 2040
• Though best efforts are being made to balance the dependence on coal and lignite with development of renewables, the transition to green energy will mostly be gradual, Joshi said

New Delhi: To address the country's energy demand which is set to double by 2040, thermal coal requirement would go up to around 1,500 million tonnes in the next 18 years, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Saturday. The minister added that there was a need to be conscious about the environment and keep in mind the sustainable mining goals. "While the expected electricity generation by 2040 would be approximately 3,000 Billion Units (BU), India's energy demand was set to double by 2040. To cater to this demand, thermal coal demand by 2040 would increase to approximately 1,500 Million Tonnes," the minister said.

Coal important for India's energy security: Joshi

Though best efforts are being made to balance the dependence on coal and lignite with development of renewables, the transition to green energy will mostly be gradual, Joshi said during his maiden visit to NLC India Ltd at Neyeli. NLC India said in a statement that Joshi emphasised on the importance of coal in the country's energy security today.

India has a balanced energy mix and this is helping the country move steadily towards its energy-environmental goals, the minister added. He also commended the significant role played by the company in fighting COVID-19.

India is heavily dependent on coal for fulfilling its power demand. Even though the government has announced its intention to not add any new thermal power capacity in the future. The government has, however, said that it will continue to operate existing and upcoming thermal power plants at a higher plant load factor (PLF).

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