The coal sector: fuelling economic growth and testing India's ability to reform

摘要

Coal is fuelling India's economic growth. In 2012, it accounted for 45 per cent of total primary energy demand and 72 per cent of generated electricity, making India the third-largest coal consumer in the world (IEA Medium-Term Coal Market Report, 2014). Energy demand in India is set to more than double from 2012 to 2040. Despite substantial investments in other energy sources, especially in renewables, coal will remain the dominant fuel to 2040, with demand doubling over the period. This dominance is in large part due to India's vast proved coal reserves - the world's fifth largest (BP Statistical Review, 2014). Domestic production was 605 million tonnes (Mt) in fiscal year 2012/13 and is expected to increase to 736 Mt by 2019.