Coal Output To Rise Despite Share Decline In Overall Energy: Coal Minister
In order to fulfil the growing demand for energy, the government reaffirmed on Wednesday that coal will continue to be the major fuel used in the nation's power plants and that more efforts will be made to increase the output of fossil fuels.
Speaking at the eighth round of the commercial coal mines auction, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted how India's power consumption is rapidly increasing, hitting 240 GW and expected to double by 2030. He emphasised that although coal's share may decline proportionately in overall energy production, its output will increase overall.
In spite of its acknowledged pledge to attain a net zero carbon emissions target by 2070 and obtain 50 per cent of its energy from renewable sources for a more environmentally friendly society, the Centre guaranteed that the total amount of coal-generated power will rise, even though its percentage may decrease.
The auction covers 39 coal mines. Joshi emphasised the close relationship between the coal industry and tribal communities, stating that once the auctioned coal blocks are put to use, a sizable population from tribal communities, primarily those in states that produce coal, will profit from them.
Joshi highlighted the results of past auctions, mentioning the end of seven rounds in which 91 mines were put up for auction. He believes that the coal-bearing regions will see investments reaching Rs 33,000 crore from these functioning mines.
