Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri Pralhad Joshi chaired a meeting of Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Coal on November 9 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh to discuss an emerging issue related to coal sector on Coal Mine Closure – Achieving Just Transition for All.
Key points
- The phrase Just Transition came in prominence after its inclusion in climate declarations made during UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21) held in Paris in 2015.
- It was emphasised that the transition from a carbon intensive energy source to low-carbon energy source should not be harsh on the people dependent on that source.
- It is expected that such people should be compensated for the impact of transition and/or re-trained and re-employed in some other low-carbon economic activities.
- In his opening remarks, Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi informed the Committee members that there is a global thrust on energy transition away from coal. However, for India, coal being an affordable source of energy, holds prime importance for meeting its energy needs being fuelled by rising economy.
- Coal accounts for more than 51% of country’s primary energy requirement and around 73% of power generation.
- Coal is one of the important ingredients in production of steel, sponge iron, aluminium, cement, paper, bricks etc.
- Coal demand in the country is yet to peak and will continue to play an important role in the energy mix till 2040 and beyond.
- Thus, no transition away from coal is happening in foreseeable future in India.
