The Indian
Central Electricity
Authority reports that
Indian coal imports
are surging at the
fastest rate in five years.
Reasons:
(1)
A drop in domestic production, and
(2)
Prime Minister Modi wants to
extend the electric grid
to poor people.
It's interesting that Indians
claim to be more concerned
about climate change
than most countries:
India's electricity generating
firms are expected to import
up to 74 million tonnes
of the fossil fuel in the
financial year ending
March 2020, according
to India Ratings and
Research ( from it's
September 17, 2019
mid-year power outlook ).
Coal imports annual growth
is estimated at over 19%,
the highest in at least five years.
With weak sales of automobiles
and consumer goods, there was
reduced industrial demand
for electricity, offset by
rapid electrification
of rural households.
For April-July 2019,
national electricity
demand grew 6.7%,
from the same months
in 2018.
India and China
are increasing
their use of coal
fast enough
to more than offset
CO2 emission cuts
by Western nations.
Source: