India's Coal Sector: Navigating Energy Demands with Resilience
In India, coal stands as the cornerstone of our energy landscape, constituting approximately 73% of our energy mix and powering about 75% of electricity generation. Despite mounting global pressure to transition away from coal, the reality for developing nations like India, heavily reliant on coal, presents a complex challenge. Our analysis indicates that coal demand is projected to escalate to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2029-30 and a staggering 2 billion tonnes by 2047.
Aspect Statistics Energy Mix Contribution of Coal Approximately 73% Electricity Generation by Coal Around 75% Projected Coal Demand (2029-30) 1.5 billion tonnes Projected Coal Demand (2047) 2 billion tonnes Coal Production (September 2023) 67.33 million tonnes (MT) Increase in Coal Production (YoY) 16.01% Cumulative Coal Production (FY' 23-24) 428.38 MT Growth in Cumulative Production (YoY) 12.09% Coal Imports (April-September FY 2023-24) 124.53 million tonnes (MT) Decline in Coal Imports (YoY) 8.22%
Meeting Energy Aspirations Amidst Economic Growth
The surge in economic activity propels energy demand, aligning with the nation's aspirations for progress. Witnessing an unprecedented upswing, the coal sector showcases remarkable strides in production, dispatch, and a discernible decline in import trends. The Ministry of Coal stands resolutely committed to upholding energy security through robust coal production and dispatch mechanisms, ensuring a seamless supply chain for a reliable and resilient energy sector that underpins the nation's sustained growth and prosperity.
Surging Production Milestones
In September 2023, the Ministry of Coal achieved a significant upsurge in overall coal production, reaching a commendable 67.33 million tonnes (MT). This achievement surpassed the previous year's corresponding figure of 58.04 MT by an impressive 16.01%. Cumulatively, coal production for the fiscal year 2023-24 surged to 428.38 MT, showcasing a remarkable growth of 12.09% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Towards Self-Sustainability
India's endeavor towards self-sustainability in fossil fuels is evident in the declining trend of coal imports. From April to September, coal imports witnessed a notable decrease of 8.22%, standing at 124.53 MT in FY 2023-24 compared to 135.68 MT in FY 2022-23. This reduction underscores the nation's concerted efforts towards reducing dependence on external sources and strengthening indigenous coal production capabilities.
Empowering Planners, Policymakers, and Researchers
In our pursuit of comprehensive data dissemination, this publication serves as a valuable resource encompassing the latest insights on coal production, consumption, imports, sector-wise utilization, as well as the broader landscape of energy resources. By consolidating diverse datasets, it aims to cater to the needs of planners, policymakers, and researchers, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic interventions in India's energy sector.
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