India’s energy demand is soaring, driven by rapid economic growth and a burgeoning population. While the country is heavily investing in renewable energy sources, coal remains a crucial component of its energy landscape. The recent World Energy Outlook report indicates that, under the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), around 60 GW of coal-fired capacity will be added by 2030, resulting in a more than 15% increase in coal-generated electricity.
The coal landscape in India
As the world’s second-largest producer of coal, India derives about 55% of its energy from this resource. Completely transitioning to 100% renewable energy is not feasible in the near term, largely due to the demands of a growing population. The increased energy needs across homes, factories and offices highlight the necessity of coal in meeting these demands.
India’s GDP growth rate currently stands at 7.8%, with ambitions to become the third-largest economy by 2030, following the U.S. and China. Such growth entails significant infrastructure expansion, which will inevitably elevate energy demand and fossil fuel usage, leading to a rise in carbon emissions.
According to the U.S. EPA, India’s coal emissions were estimated at 22 MtCO2e in 2020, projected to reach 45 MtCO2e by 2050.
Sustainable coal mining initiatives
Despite coal’s continued prominence, the industry is taking strides to mitigate its environmental impact. The Ministry of Coal is implementing measures to restore land affected by mining through a process known as “ecological reclamation of mined land.” These efforts include:
- Reforestation of overburden dumps: Restoring mined areas by planting trees and vegetation.
- Afforestation around mines: Creating green belts to enhance biodiversity and reduce pollution.
- Restoration of local flora and fauna: Supporting the natural ecosystem post-mining.
These initiatives are planned in advance, with closure plans approved by the Ministry to minimize carbon footprints after coal mines cease operations.
Enhancing air quality
Innovative techniques such as seed ball planting, drone-based seed casting, and Miyawaki plantation methods have been introduced to combat air pollution around mining areas. These techniques help “trap” dust particles released during mining activities. Remote sensing technology monitors these efforts to ensure their effectiveness.
Additionally, the industry is adopting the latest technologies to minimize dust generation, including:
- Surface miners
- Wheel washing systems
- Fog cannons and mist sprayers
- Mechanized road sweepers
- Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS)
- Wet drilling and dust suppression systems
These technologies collectively improve air quality in coal mining regions, balancing energy needs with environmental stewardship.
In summary, while India’s coal sector continues to play a vital role in meeting energy demands, efforts toward sustainable mining practices and environmental protection are gaining momentum, aiming to harmonize economic growth with ecological responsibility.
