Coal free by 2070? India’s push toward renewables won’t stop coal reliance for the next two decades
Coal free by 2070? India’s push toward renewables won't stop coal reliance for the next two decades CNBC
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Sustainable Development Goals and India’s Transition to Renewable Energy
Introduction
India has made significant progress in its transition to renewable energy, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country’s leaders have set ambitious targets, aiming for 50% of power generation from renewables by 2030 and 100% by 2070.
The Role of Coal
Despite these goals, coal production in India continues to rise due to the challenges of finding alternative sources for cooling and electricity generation. Anil Kumar Jha, former chairman of Coal India, stated that India will still heavily rely on coal for the next 10 to 20 years. Fossil fuels, primarily coal, currently make up 75% of India’s power supply.
Increasing Electricity Demand
India’s electricity demand has been driven by climate change-induced heat waves and the growing adoption of air conditioners. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a 21% increase in electricity consumption from air conditioners between 2019 and 2022. The reliance on coal has been necessary to meet this heightened power demand.
Challenges in Achieving Renewable Energy Targets
India’s renewable energy capabilities, including wind and solar, still face challenges due to their dependence on weather conditions. These sources are inherently variable and less dependable for meeting the country’s growing power demand. Additionally, underdeveloped power grids and infrastructure hinder the integration of renewable energy sources.
Investment for a Sustainable Transition
To achieve its net-zero transition goals, India needs to ramp up investments, particularly in battery storage. The country aims to reach 500 gigawatts of installed renewable energy by 2030. However, grid-scale battery storage remains costly and faces supply chain disruptions. Foreign investments will be crucial in meeting India’s net-zero goals.
Conclusion
India’s transition to renewable energy aligns with the SDGs, but the role of coal will continue until at least 2030. The country needs to address challenges in renewable energy integration and invest in sustainable solutions to achieve its net-zero targets. By phasing down coal and increasing investments, India can pave the way for a greener future.
Note: This report was generated using HTML formatting and emphasizes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the article.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of power generation from renewables by 2030 and 2070
- Coal production levels
- Electricity consumption from air conditioners
- Installed renewable energy capacity
- Investment in battery storage
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Percentage of power generation from renewables by 2030 and 2070 |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | – Coal production levels – Installed renewable energy capacity |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | – Electricity consumption from air conditioners – Investment in battery storage |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cnbc.com
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