• India's coal production has crossed 100 million tonnes, marking a 33% year-on-year growth.
• The share of captive and commercial coal mines in India's total coal production is increasing, reflecting the success of reforms in the coal sector.
• This achievement demonstrates India's growing capabilities in the coal sector and represents a significant advancement in the country's progress toward energy independence.
• The transition to sustainable energy is a global priority, and India is no exception, with states like Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, and Telangana performing well across all parameters.

India's coal production from captive and commercial mines has crossed a significant milestone, exceeding 100 million tonnes (MT) in the current fiscal year, marking a 33 per cent year-on-year growth.

This achievement was reached nearly 100 days earlier than the previous financial year, signifying a significant stride in the nation's journey towards Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Ministry of Coal reported that the production from captive and commercial coal mines from April 1 to November 8, 2024, was 100.08 MT, compared to 75.05 MT during the same period in FY 2023-24. This indicates a year-on-year growth of 33 per cent.

The total dispatch from captive and commercial coal mines during the same period was 107.81 MT, compared to 80.23 MT in FY 2023-24, indicating a year-on-year growth of 34 per cent.

The share of captive and commercial coal mines in India's total coal production has been steadily increasing, reflecting the success of reforms in the coal sector and strengthening the nation's path toward self-sufficiency in energy resources.

The ministry is optimistic about reaching a production target of more than 170 million tonnes from captive and commercial coal blocks in 2024-25.

India's Growing Capabilities in the Coal Sector

This achievement demonstrates India's growing capabilities in the coal sector and represents a significant advancement in the country's progress toward energy independence and economic growth, aligning perfectly with the government's Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. India's coal production reached 84.45 million tonnes (MT) in October, surpassing 78.57 MT production in the corresponding month last year with 7.48 per cent growth.

Coal production from captive and other entities also showed substantial growth, rising to 16.59 MT in October 2024 compared to 11.70 MT in the same period last year, reflecting a growth rate of 41.75 per cent.

The transition to sustainable energy is a global priority, and India is no exception. The country has made significant strides in its energy transition, with states like Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, and Telangana performing well across all parameters.

Delhi, for instance, has the highest short-term market participation in FY2023, with 34% of its total power purchase and captive generation volume traded in the short-term electricity market. The state also aims to generate 4,500MW or about a quarter of its total power supply through solar energy by 2027.

Global Climate Action and the Role of Elections

In the global context, 2024 represents a watershed moment in world politics, with elections in at least 76 countries across the globe poised to influence the future of climate action on an unprecedented scale. The outcomes of these elections will be critical for shaping the trajectory of the planet's future.

The choices made in this year's elections will either catalyze the transition to a sustainable future or entrench existing practices that exacerbate these climate disasters.

In Indonesia, the election of Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto could represent a significant shift in Indonesian climate policy. One of Subianto's key climate-related promises is to gradually phase out the use of coal, a significant move for the world's largest exporter of the dirtiest fossil fuel. However, his administration's simultaneous push to bolster domestic nickel processing introduces a complex dynamic.