Minister Pralhad Joshi, Energy News, ET EnergyWorld

New Delhi: Coal accounted for 74% of India’s electricity production in 2018 and will continue to contribute 50% of the electricity produced in the country over the next 20 years, said the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi.

He was speaking at the Economic Times Energy Leadership summit where he highlighted the need for coal in the country’s economic progress while reiterating India’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

He said India’s per capita carbon emissions are a third of the global average and what we need right now is accelerated growth and coal is the way to go. ‘achieve it.

“We have one of the largest reserves of coal. India’s energy transition must prioritize growth and not sacrifice it. The phasing out of charcoal over the next few decades will only elicit knee-jerk reactions, ”he said.

He added that in 2020 India’s primary energy demand was 88 million tonnes of oil equivalent, with coal being a major source of energy production at 44%, oil at 25%, natural gas at 6% and renewable energies at 3%.

He further said that replacing coal-based electricity with renewable energy has its own limitations and will lead to a number of problems when it comes to meeting electricity needs.

“India still has a window to utilize the coal reserves and it needs to ensure maximum production and optimal consumption during this period. Therefore, it cannot be denied that coal will remain the main contributor to the nation’s energy basket.” said Joshi. .

He also said that the transition away from coal must be gradual and well managed taking into account the needs and aspirations of billions of people.

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