Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 09 October 2024

Contents

1. Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India

Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India

Context:
The closure of Britain’s last coal power plant in Nottinghamshire is a significant achievement in the transition towards clean energy by Britain. It indicates the increasing demand for a transition to sustainable energy sources. This achievement is celebrated across the globe and ignites calls for replication of the same model in other countries, especially in developing countries like India. Though Britain’s feat is commendable, energy transitions must be adapted to local conditions and socio-economic demands. Direct replication could lead to significant frictions and challenges.

Relevance: GS3 ( Environment)

India’s coal story:

• Raniganj Coalfield was the first coal mine established by the British East India Company in 1774.

• Hyderabad Nizam established Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station in 1920 to provide power for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

• 12 years is considered the average age of coal mines in India before it’s decommissioned.

• India has around 253 coal power plants located across the country.

• India has around 350 operational mines, along with 120 more in the planning stage.

• India depends on coal power plants for 70% of its energy generation.

• The coal industry is one of the major sources of employment in India, providing approximately 4,00,000 jobs according to a Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) study.

• India is the 2nd largest coal producer in the world after China.

• India produced nearly 1 billion metric tonnes of coal, most of it is lignite, with a lower carbon concentration and high ash content.

• India is the 3rd largest importer of coal in the world.

Carbon Emission Profiles: India vs. the UK.

1. Total emissions: 

1. India emits 2.9 Giga tonnes annually of CO2 and is considered the 3rd largest emitter.

1.  UK: approximately 0.35 Giga tonnes annually.

2. Per capita emissions:

2. India stands at 2.07 metric tons. Relatively low compared to global average.
3. The UK stands at 5.5 metric tonnes, which is higher than India’s.

3. Cumulative emissions:

3. India has contributed only 4% of global cumulative emissions from 1850-2019, despite having around 17% of the population.

3. The UK has contributed to 3% of cumulative emissions, having only a population 20 times less than India. Carbon Brief Survey estimates the UK has emitted 10.4 billion metric tonnes of historical emissions and stands at 4th rank globally.

4. Commitments of net zero :

4. India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

4. The UK aims for net zero emissions by 2050.

India’s transition strategy:

• Net Zero Target: India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

• Renewable Energy Goals: India aims to meet 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.

• Emission Reduction: At the Glasgow COP26 conference in 2021, India announced a target to reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from 2021 levels by 2030.

• Energy Transition: India aims to increase its non-fossil fuel-based capacity to 500 GW by 2030.

Learnings for India from the UK’s experience.

1. Holistic transition approach:

The transition not only involved the energy sector but also with the regions and communities dependent on coal power plants.

2. Retraining programs :

Focused on sectors in which skills required similar to coal power plants i.e.,  heavy machinery operation, engineering, etc.

Result: helped workers transition to new jobs with less friction.

3. Support for workers:

Financial support: Early retirements and redundancy payments helped workers.

 Education and apprenticeship: aimed at providing new skills for workers for future job markets.

4. Community and regional development:

To encourage new industries in coal-powered plant places.

5. Promotion of renewable energy:

Development of offshore wind farms, particularly near coal-producing regions like the North Sea of Yorkshire Promotion of grid infrastructure.

6. Repurposing old power plants :

The Drax power plant for example transitioned to biomass energy.

Conclusion:

India has aimed to become net zero by 2070 and have a sufficient time of 45 years. Though India is advancing towards renewable energy, concerns rise over the planning of new coal mines and the promotion of coal production. India should aim for a holistic, just, and transparent transition by addressing concerns of the workforce, region, and communities dependent on coal power plants. Through this, India can achieve a just transition, focusing on environmental and socio-economic concerns.