Context:
Global Energy Monitor (GEM), a non-profit organization that tracks coal projects globally, has recently published its quarterly update of the Global Coal Plant Tracker. This update provides important insights into the current status of coal power projects around the world.
Key Findings of the GEM Report:
- China is leading the way in new coal projects, with over 95% of coal plant capacity that started construction in 2023.
- There’s a significant number of coal projects still under consideration, with 110 GW of coal power capacity being deliberated in 32 countries.
- India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are at the forefront, making up 83% of the proposed coal capacity outside China.
- In the first nine months of 2023, 18.3 GW of coal capacity was shelved or canceled across various countries.
- Despite these cancellations, new proposals amounting to 15.3 GW emerged in India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
- India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are constructing 84% of the 67 GW of coal power capacity outside China as of July 2023.
- India has ambitious plans to increase its coal-fired power plant capacity by 2032, targeting 80 GW, a significant increase from the previously stated 27 GW in the National Electricity Plan 2022-32 (NEP).
- Certain states in India, such as Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, have seen progress in coal plant projects, with permits being granted.
Global Energy Monitor (GEM):
- GEM develops and shares information in support of the worldwide movement for clean energy.
- GEM seeks to build an open guide to the world’s energy system.
- GEM’s data and reports – International Energy Agency, United Nations Environment Programme, the World Bank, and the Bloomberg Global Coal Countdown.
Global Coal Plant Tracker:
- An online database that identifies and maps every known coal-fired generating unit and every new unit proposed since 2010 (30 megawatts and larger).
- Developed by – Global Energy Monitor
- Updated biannually (January and July)
Coal:
- A type of fossil fuel found in a form of sedimentary rocks and is often known as ‘Black Gold’.
| Type of Coal | Carbon Content | Found in |
| Anthracite | 80 – 95% | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Bituminous | 60 – 80% | Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh |
| Lignite | 40 – 55% | Rajasthan, Lakhimpur (Assam), Tamil Nadu |
| Peat | Less than 40% | First stage of transformation from organic matter (wood) to coal |
Source: Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
