The G20 declaration has called for a reduction in the unchecked use of fossil fuels. The most recent Conference of Parties (COP) witnessed a heated debate between proponents of “phase-out” and “phase-down” approaches to fossil fuels. This ongoing debate may result in a prolonged period of scarcity until a definitive phase-down strategy is implemented. This might come as news to many. Doesn’t India have a shortage of coal already? Not in terms of reserves. However, in terms of continuous imports and advisories recommending imports for coastal plants, one can see that it is at least short-term. This article argues that India might not be able to exit this period of perpetual scarcity unless radical policy changes are made.
