At a pivotal conference on energy future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly positioned coal as a vital pillar in realizing ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ Dismissing hasty phase-out calls, he argued for a strategic reliance on domestic coal resources to safeguard national interests.
PM Modi’s speech painted a comprehensive picture of India’s energy landscape. While celebrating achievements like the world’s largest renewable capacity additions, he cautioned against over-dependence on intermittent sources. Coal, he said, provides the stability essential for 24/7 power to industries and households.
‘Developing nations like ours cannot afford energy shortages in pursuit of ideals,’ Modi remarked, referencing recent global supply disruptions. He announced investments in supercritical and ultra-supercritical coal technologies that slash emissions by up to 40%.
The announcement details a multi-pronged strategy: expanding coal production sustainably, enhancing mine-mouth power plants, and integrating coal with solar hybrids. This approach aims to meet the projected tripling of electricity demand by 2047.
Critics have long pushed for rapid coal retirement, but PM Modi’s vision reframes the narrative. By focusing on ‘responsible coal usage,’ India seeks to lead in just energy transitions, protecting jobs for over 4 million coal workers while advancing green goals.
As the nation gears up for exponential growth, this policy pivot reinforces coal’s strategic importance, blending tradition with innovation for a self-reliant energy future.