The letter gains significance as the coal and power ministries have cited growth targets to push for a more liberal forest clearance system. India has 150 giga watt of potential resources of renewable energy and the cost differential of harnessing these sources, particularly wind, small hydro, and biomass instead of coal-based power is "actually small". As of now, India has harnessed just about 10% of its potential. The possibility of ensuring energy security through a more focused renewable energy policy would question the Coal Ministry's demand to open up larger tracts of forests for mining. It cites a coal requirement of 2 billion tonnes by 2031-32 as projected by the Planning Commission's Integrated Energy Policy to make its case.
It has argued that any effort that adversely impacts coal production would impact the country's economic growth. "As of now there is a surge of growth potential in the country and most of the sectors are on a rising path. Any curtailment on the energy source will ultimately result in the country missing growth opportunities," the Coal Ministry has argued.
Given that India's proven coal reserves would last only another 45 years, it would mean greater reliance on imports. This would make coal generated power more expensive. Increasing the share of renewables in the energy basket would reduce dependence on coal. This would preserve forests and reduce inevitable import dependence. The World Bank study shows that a greater role for renewables in India's energy basket is feasible. Read the full report here.
Source: Urmi A. Goswami, ET Bureau, Economic Times, New Delhi.
