DeMentalists

"Do as we preach," cries Germany

India can't do it all with renewables; it must add thermal as power demand soars. Western climate activists demand action against coal.

"When in need we don't do what we preach."

Germany reopened its thermal plants to escape gas shortages.

Headlines

India’s power demand grew fastest in over three decades caused by unseasonal weather and a sharp economic recovery. It has forced India to ramp up coal and solar output to avoid power cuts.

The government hopes to add 16 GW of renewable energy in the next fiscal year, a 13% increase in installed capacity in 2022-23 (Jan 23).

India expects to burn about 8% more coal in 2023-24. Coal thermal power will contribute 1,255 terawatt-hours (tWh) in 2023-24, compared with 1,180 tWh this fiscal (Apr 23). 

Nitin Gadkari during the 'Industrial Decarbonization Summit 2022’ (IDS-2022)

"Energy security is a serious concern. We are determined to raise living standards so we will not shut down our industries for lack of energy. Even if global pressure is on us and protests are held inside the country. 

"Our energy needs are growing very fast. However, we face difficulty increasing our power and energy capacities due to environmental pressure groups. Funds for upcoming thermal projects have dried up thanks to global climate change lobbyists.

"Solar or renewable energy is already 38% of total capacity - which can go to 50%. 50 GW of hydro projects are stopped or delayed because of legal cases filed by NGOs at every stage, from forest clearances to land acquisition.

"Should we be happy with power shortages in the next few years? No, our approach will be to care for both power and the environment."