"Developing Better Policies for the Sustainable Development of the Indian Coal Sector"

Conference on Managing the Social and Environmental Consequences of Coal Mining in India, New Delhi, 19–21 November 2007

Conference Paper, Energy Technology Innovation Policy research group, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School

November 20, 2007

Authors: Ananth Chikkatur, Former Associate, Energy Technology Innovation Policy research group, Ambuj D. Sagar, Associate, Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program

Belfer Center Programs or Projects: Energy Technology Innovation Policy; Environment and Natural Resources; Science, Technology, and Public Policy

ABSTRACT

Coal accounts for about 70% of total electricity generation in India and is likely to remain a key energy source for at least the next 30-40 years. A significant growth in India's coal use is predicted in consonance with the country's continued development. Such an increase must occur through (and, indeed, is dependent upon) environmentally and socially sustainable development of this sector. The main challenges to such a transition pertain to a) high demand for coal in the power sector, which would speed up coal exploration and extraction, and b) current and past socio-environmental concerns. Areas that need particular attention include: a) managing the demand for coal, b) strengthening data collection and analysis (especially coal reserve estimates), c) developing a technology and policy roadmap for efficient extraction, along with a visioning exercise, and d) better resettlement & rehabilitation and environmental impact assessment policies.

For more information about the Conference on Managing the Social and Environmental Consequences of Coal Mining in India, please click here.

For more information about this publication please contact the ETIP Coordinator at 617-496-5584.

For Academic Citation: