India is projected to increase its annual coal consumption by 292 million tonnes (MT) as it adds 25-30 gigawatts (GW) of thermal power capacity in addition to the 49 GW of coal-based units already under construction. Each 1,000 megawatts (MW) of power generation typically requires 3.5-4 MT of coal at a 65-75 percent plant load factor (PLF). With this new plan, India's total coal consumption is expected to rise by 38 percent. As of March 2023, India had a coal-based power generation capacity of 212 GW, and this is set to reach 260 GW by 2030. During the fiscal year 2022-23, 180 thermal power plants in India consumed 777 MT of coal, including 55 MT of imported coal. This move comes as India aims to fulfill its commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India's nationally determined contributions (NDCs) require it to achieve 50 percent of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources and reduce the emission intensity of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 45 percent compared to 2005 levels by 2030. India has already established 44 percent of non-fossil fuel power generation capacity and aims to increase this to 60 percent by 2030. Additionally, India has reduced its emissions intensity by 33 percent compared to 2005 levels as of 2019. Experts express concerns about the need for improved battery economics or significant expansion of pumped hydro projects to balance increased coal-based capacity. They highlight the importance of clear communication regarding India's plans for mining and thermal power infrastructure in the context of its climate goals.