India pauses plans to add new coal plants for five years, bets on renewables, batteries
The Indian government will not consider any proposals for new coal plants for the next five years and focus on growing its renewables sector, according to an updated national electricity plan released Wednesday evening
By SIBI ARASU
Published - Jun 01, 2023, 07:24 AM ET
Last Updated - Jun 21, 2023, 02:16 PM EDT
BENGALURU, India (AP) — The Indian government will not consider any proposals for new coal plants for the next five years and focus on growing its renewables sector, according to an updated national electricity plan released Wednesday evening.
The temporary pause in the growth of the dirty fuel was hailed by energy experts as a positive step for a country that is currently reliant on coal for around 75% of its electricity.
Updated every five years, the plan serves as a guideline for India’s priorities in its electricity sector.
India is the world’s third highest emitter and most populous country. It plans to reach net zero emissions by 2070, which would mean significantly slashing coal use and ramping up renewable energy.
