As the COP28 summit centers discussions on coal usage, India reaffirms its reliance on coal for electricity generation despite advancing its renewable energy endeavours. The country’s escalating power demand, surging at nearly double the Asia Pacific region's pace, remains a driving force for energy requirements, spurred by heightened economic activities.

India's burgeoning energy needs, projected to witness substantial growth over the next three decades, are poised to surpass other countries worldwide, as highlighted in the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook. The burgeoning demand, particularly for household air conditioning, presents a formidable challenge.

To meet this surging demand, India has substantially increased its coal production, reflecting a 14% spike from the previous fiscal year. Coal stands as the primary solution owing to several reasons: the inadequacy of renewables, unreliability of alternative energy sources, complexities within hydropower, and the underperformance of nuclear power plants.

India's plans aim to escalate renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, yet the constraints associated with renewable energy compel the continued reliance on coal-generated electricity. Union Minister R K Singh clarified that India's strategy involves phasing down coal use, not an immediate phase-out, aligning with the nation's escalating electricity demand.

India's commitment to enhancing its renewable energy capacity stands in contrast to its reliance on coal, signifying a challenging journey toward achieving its ambitious renewable targets amidst growing energy demands.