Table of Contents
1- Coal:
- Reserves: India possesses substantial coal reserves, estimated at over 300 billion tonnes, primarily located in the eastern and central regions, including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Production: India is one of the largest producers of coal globally, with state-owned Coal India Limited (CIL) being the leading producer. The country produces over 700 million tonnes of coal annually.
- Consumption: Coal is the dominant source of energy in India, accounting for about 70% of the electricity generation mix. It fuels thermal power plants that supply the majority of the country’s electricity.
- Economic Impact: The coal industry is crucial for India's energy security and economic stability, providing employment and supporting various industries. It is a key driver of economic growth and industrialization.
- Challenges: Major challenges include environmental concerns, such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and social issues related to land acquisition and displacement. There are also concerns about the sustainability of coal resources and the need for cleaner energy alternatives.
2- Hydroelectricity:
- Potential: India has significant hydroelectric potential, estimated at over 148,000 MW, primarily in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. Major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus offer substantial opportunities for hydroelectric power generation.
- Capacity: As of recent estimates, India's installed hydroelectric capacity is around 50,000 MW, contributing approximately 12-15% of the country’s total electricity generation. Major projects include the Bhakra Nangal, Tehri, and Sardar Sarovar dams.
- Advantages: Hydroelectric power is a renewable and relatively clean source of energy. It provides stability to the power grid through load balancing and is essential for peak demand management.
- Economic Impact: Hydroelectric projects support regional development, provide irrigation benefits, and contribute to rural electrification. They also offer significant employment opportunities in construction and maintenance.
- Challenges: Key issues include ecological impacts, such as habitat disruption and changes in river ecosystems. There are also social concerns related to displacement of communities and changes in local water availability.
Conclusion
In summary, coal and hydroelectricity are pivotal to India’s power sector, with coal providing the bulk of the energy and hydroelectricity contributing a significant share of renewable energy. Addressing environmental and social challenges is crucial for balancing energy needs with sustainable development.
