Just Energy Transition (JET) has gained significant prominence as the global climate crisis intensifies, emphasising the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels to mitigate climate impacts. India, as the third-largest primary energy consumer globally, presents a complex case for JET due to its heavy reliance on coal, which still accounts for about 80% of its energy demand from coal, oil, and solid biomass combined. Coal has been integral to India’s economy for over a century, especially in key mining states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, where it is deeply embedded in social, political, and economic systems.
At COP26 in Glasgow, India committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, with a goal to increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and reduce carbon intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030. However, coal remains critical to India’s energy security and economic growth. In FY 2024-25, India surpassed one billion tonnes of coal production, with coal contributing 55% to the national energy mix and over 74% of total power generation. Despite this, the government has advised against retiring coal-fired power plants until 2030 to meet growing power demand, reflecting the challenge of balancing energy needs with climate goals.
Phasing down coal in India involves retiring old and inefficient coal plants, with estimates suggesting about 54 GW of coal capacity could be retired by 2030. Yet, the government’s current stance is cautious, prioritising energy security and economic stability. The coal sector employs millions directly and indirectly, supporting entire local economies. For example, in coal-dependent regions, up to a quarter of the population relies on coal-related work, making any transition potentially destabilising.
A Just Energy Transition in India must address these socio-economic realities. It means not only promoting clean energy but also minimizing negative impacts on livelihoods dependent on coal. This includes providing alternative employment, retraining, and social safety nets for displaced workers. However, much of the coal workforce consists of off-roll or contract workers, who are often excluded from official data and transition plans, increasing their vulnerability.
Historically, development projects in coal regions have typically been imposed without adequate consultation, leading to loss of livelihoods and social discontent. For a transition to be truly just and inclusive, affected communities must be central to planning processes. Understanding their concerns and incorporating their voices is critical to designing effective, equitable transition strategies.
Read and Download the report here: LISTENING TO CHANDRAPURA: BUILDING A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION TOGETHER IN JHARKHAND
Read the report in Hindi here
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