Coal-Fired Thermal Plants In India: Balancing Needs And Impact

Abstract

Coal-fired power stations play a crucial role in India's energy landscape, providing 70% of the nation's electricity. Despite significant growth in power generation capacity, challenges persist, particularly shortages during peak demand periods. This heavy reliance on coal underscores the importance of efficient thermal power plants. To address efficiency concerns, the Indian government has implemented measures such as adopting supercritical technology and phasing out outdated units. However, declining coal stocks at many thermal power plants present ongoing challenges, prompting the need for additional coal imports. Globally, coal remains a dominant energy source, with China leading in power generation. Despite increasing efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, coal continues to maintain a significant foothold in the global power sector, highlighting the complexities of the energy transition.