Indian officials are reportedly considering a proposal to close less than 5 GW of existing coal-fired power capacity by the end of the decade, a much relaxed scheme compared with the plans worked out in 2020 that proposed cutting down about 25 GW during the same period, according to Bloomberg.
This came as the country strives to meet growing electricity demand amid global energy shortage, but could threaten its performance on climate goal as it may pull up coal-fired power plants for years, Bloomberg said, citing people familiar with the matter.
The country currently has about 204 GW of coal-fired power capacity and the plans under discussion would see the capacity expand to more than 250 GW in the next decade.
India has committed to attaining only 50% of its total power installed capacity through non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, according to the updated Nationally Determined Contributions, giving it space to continue relying on coal for decades.
Based on the latest data from the Central Electricity Authority, India's current total installed power capacity reached 404 GW, of which 50% comes from coal, 28% from renewable sources and 10% from hydropower.
(Writing by Emma Yang Editing by Tammy Yang)
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