Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underscored the indispensable role of coal in India’s ambitious journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at a high-profile energy summit, PM Modi emphasized that coal will remain a cornerstone of the nation’s energy security even as India accelerates its transition to cleaner fuels.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s remarkable strides in renewable energy while stressing the pragmatic need for reliable baseload power. ‘Coal is not just a fuel; it’s the backbone of our industrial growth and energy stability,’ Modi stated, pointing to the sector’s contribution to powering millions of homes and fueling economic expansion.
The statement comes amid global debates on phasing out fossil fuels. Yet, PM Modi advocated for a balanced approach, integrating coal with cutting-edge technologies like clean coal initiatives and carbon capture. He revealed plans for modernizing coal infrastructure to minimize environmental impact while ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Experts note that India’s coal dependency stands at over 50% of its energy mix. With rising electricity demands from urbanization and manufacturing, PM Modi outlined a roadmap where coal plants would incorporate advanced pollution controls and efficiency upgrades.
The vision aligns with ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ aiming for a $30 trillion economy. PM Modi assured that this strategy won’t compromise India’s Paris Agreement commitments, promising increased renewable capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
Industry leaders welcomed the clarity, viewing it as a pragmatic blueprint. As India balances growth with sustainability, coal’s evolved role could set a global precedent for energy transitions in developing economies.