Stating that the Glasgow Climate Pact does not mandate the phase down of coal power, “and it is not setting any timelines” for the same, Union coal minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday that “despite the push for renewables, the country will require base load capacity of coal-based generation for stability and also for energy security”.
Pointing out that the agreement only calls upon parties to accelerate efforts towards the phase down of unabated coal power in line with national circumstances and recognising the need for support towards a just transition,” in a written reply to the Parliament the minister said that “the pace of transition to cleaner energy sources in India is to be viewed in the light of national circumstances, and principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, the transfer of climate finance and low cost climate technologies”.
