Archive · 18 Nov 2025
India's Coal Phase-Out: Urgent Need for a Comprehensive Plan
India is using a lot of coal for energy, which is bad for the environment.
Even though India wants to stop using coal by 2070, it doesn't have a plan to do it yet.
We need a plan to help coal workers find new jobs and make our power grid better.
This will help us use less coal and attract investors who want to help us with cleaner energy.
If we don't do this, we'll keep hurting the environment and have fewer jobs in the future.
India's coal consumption continues to grow, accounting for 55% of its energy mix and 74% of power generation.
Despite committing to net-zero emissions by 2070, India lacks a timeline and plan to phase out coal.
A coal phase-out plan is needed to keep pace with countries greening their economies and attract clean energy investments.
Key components of the plan include a just transition for workers, grid modernization, and diversifying railway freight revenue.
The BJP-led government's stability and control over key coal-producing states can facilitate political buy-in for the transition.
- Who
- The Indian government, coal workers, investors, and the public
- What
- Developing a comprehensive coal phase-out plan with specific dates and support measures
- When
- Currently, with a target of net-zero emissions by 2070
- Where
- India, with a focus on coal-producing states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra
- Why
- To mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and attract clean energy investments
Environmentalists and Climate Activists
Fossil Fuel Industry and Some Governments
Coal Phase-Out
Environmentalists and Climate Activists
Urgent and rapid phase-out of coal to meet climate goals
Fossil Fuel Industry and Some Governments
Slower transition, protecting jobs and economic interests in coal-dependent regions
Renewable Energy Expansion
Environmentalists and Climate Activists
Accelerated investment in renewable energy and grid updates
Fossil Fuel Industry and Some Governments
Concerns about energy security, reliability, and affordability
- Coal's Share in Energy Mix
- 55%
- Coal's Share in Power Generation
- 74%
- Estimated Funding Gap for Clean Energy by 2035
- USD 2 trillion
- Number of Coal Workers in India
- 26 lakh (2.6 million)
- Estimated Energy Storage Capacity Needed by 2030
- 61 GW
