Importance of Coal Industry | Coal Industry in India | Audio Article | Drishti IAS

Summary

The script discusses the complex issue of coal's role in sustainable development, focusing on the environmental challenges it poses, such as greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. It highlights the dependency of countries like India and China on coal for energy production and the economic implications of transitioning to renewable energy sources. The episode emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, gradually reducing coal usage while investing in cleaner technologies and supporting developing nations in their energy transition.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The COP 28 summit in Dubai is a significant platform for discussing environmental and climate change issues, emphasizing the importance of global leaders' commitment to environmental protection.
• 🌱 Afforestation, pollution reduction, renewable energy, and a plastic-free world are common topics at environmental conferences, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change.
• 🔥 Coal has been a primary energy source for electricity production worldwide, with a 35% share in global electricity generation as of 2020, indicating its crucial role in modern development.
• 📈 The demand for coal has been increasing, especially in developing countries like India and China, due to its affordability and availability, which supports economic growth and energy needs.
• 💡 The transition from traditional to modern usage of coal began with the Industrial Revolution, propelling unprecedented economic and technological progress.
• 🚫 Despite the known environmental impacts of coal, such as greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, its use continues due to its economic benefits and the lack of viable alternatives.
• 🛠 The script discusses the challenges of replacing coal with renewable energy sources, considering the reliability, cost, and availability of these alternatives, especially in developing nations.
• 💼 The coal industry is a significant source of livelihood for millions and contributes substantially to the economy, making it difficult to phase out abruptly.
• ♻️ There is a call for technological improvements and investment in cleaner coal technologies, such as supercritical and ultra-supercritical coal power plants, to reduce environmental harm.
• 🌿 The script suggests a balanced approach to energy production, considering both energy security and the need to address climate change, advocating for a gradual reduction in coal usage.
• 🔄 The discussion concludes that while coal is harmful, its complete replacement is challenging due to its deep integration into the global energy infrastructure, suggesting a need for a transition to renewable energy sources over time.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the script?

The main topic of discussion in the script is the possibility and challenges of replacing coal in sustainable development, as well as its role in global electricity production.

What is COP 28 and why is it significant?

COP 28 is a top-level conference on environmental and climate change issues, significant for discussing strategies to combat global warming and for including almost all top world leaders who are environmental supporters.

What does the term 'sustainable development' mean in the context of the script?

In the script, 'sustainable development' refers to the use of energy and resources in a way that ensures their availability for future needs while meeting the current development requirements.

Why is coal considered a major contributor to global electricity production?

Coal is considered a major contributor because it is the primary energy source for most of the world's electricity production, especially in developing countries, due to its abundance and cost-effectiveness.

What are the environmental challenges associated with coal usage?

The environmental challenges associated with coal usage include the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, air pollution, and damage to aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

How does India's growing population and economy affect its energy requirements?

India's growing population and economy lead to increased energy demands, making coal a significant part of its energy mix due to its ability to provide stable and affordable electricity.

What is the current share of coal in global electricity production according to the script?

According to the script, coal's share in global electricity production was about 35% in the year 2020.

What is the role of coal in India's thermal power plants?

Coal plays a crucial role in India's thermal power plants, with 74.4% of electricity production coming from these plants, which are largely dependent on coal.

What are the economic implications of replacing coal with renewable energy sources?

The economic implications of replacing coal with renewable energy sources include the potential for increased costs due to the need for importing critical minerals for technologies like lithium-ion batteries and the initial investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

How does the script suggest addressing the environmental impact of coal while ensuring energy security?

The script suggests a balanced approach that considers both energy security and the need to mitigate climate change, implying a gradual reduction of coal usage and an increase in renewable energy production without sudden economic pressures.

What are some of the technological improvements mentioned in the script to reduce the environmental impact of coal usage?

The script mentions technological improvements such as supercritical and ultra-supercritical coal-based power plants that can reduce emissions, as well as investment in carbon capture and storage technologies.