This article is part of the UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis, covering The Hindu editorial – “Lighten the pollution burden of thermal power States," published on 17th February, by the best UPSC coaching in Kolkata.
Syllabus: General Studies Paper III (Bio-diversity, Environment)
In August 2022, India updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action pledges made by countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapt to climate change. These pledges outline how each country will contribute to global efforts to limit temperature rise and deal with climate impacts.
NDCs are one of the primary instruments for achieving the Paris Agreement goals.
Background: Understanding UNFCCC and Paris AgreementThe United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit to address global climate change. Its main goal is to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) levels and prevent dangerous human interference with the climate. The treaty is overseen by the Conference of the Parties (COP), an annual meeting where countries discuss and improve climate policies. This treaty led to important agreements like the Kyoto Protocol (1997), which set rules for reducing emissions and the Paris Agreement (2015), where all countries promised to take steps to protect the climate. These agreements help the world work together to combat global warming. Paris Agreement under UNFCCC, is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015 by 196 countries. This agreement aims to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C and ideally limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Under this agreement, every country must update its NDC every five years with stronger targets to ensure continuous progress in fighting climate change. |
India updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2023 to strengthen its climate action commitments. The key updates include:
India’s Net Zero Target for 2070 which was announced at COP26 in Glasgow (2021) aligns with its long-term strategy to achieve carbon neutrality.
ISSUE PERSISITING: Currently, thermal power dominates India’s electricity production. Under the new framework, thermal power will still hold a 50% share in electricity generation.
Thermal power plants contribute significantly to carbon emissions. The States producing thermal power bear the pollution burden while the consuming States benefit. This raises concerns about who should bear the costs of pollution.
India’s total installed power generation capacity is 4,56,757 MW, divided as follows:
Thermal power generation capacity (Total: 2,37,268.91 MW):
According to NITI Aayog, India’s electricity generation emits 20,794.36 kg of carbon.
As of April 1, 2023, India’s total coal reserves are 378.21 billion tonnes with Odisha holding the largest share (94.52 billion tonnes).
India’s energy mix (2022-23):
Thus, thermal power remains India’s primary source of electricity and the biggest contributor to emissions.
India’s electricity generation and consumption do not always align. For example, States like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh consume only a fraction of the electricity they generate.
Top States for Non-Renewable Electricity Generation Capacity (2022-23):
Top States for Renewable Energy Generation Capacity:
However, electricity generation does not match consumption.
For example:
States such as Tripura, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have a high share of thermal power in their total electricity generation but do not consume all the power they generate, leading to an imbalance in pollution responsibility.
States with the highest thermal power share in total electricity generation:
However, these States do not consume all the electricity they generate.
Electricity-exporting States like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh export significant amounts of electricity, while importing States like Gujarat and Haryana rely on others to meet their energy needs.
Thus, consuming States get revenue from electricity duty, while producing States bear the pollution without compensation.
Since thermal power-producing States bear the pollution burden while others benefit, a compensation system is necessary.
Thermal power-producing States must be compensated for environmental damage. The Centre and Finance Commission must introduce policies to ensure fair revenue distribution and address India’s climate goals.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Discuss the role of thermal power in India's emissions and the challenges related to compensation for thermal power-producing states. 150 Words |
1. What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
NDCs are climate action pledges made by countries to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change under the Paris Agreement.
2. What are India’s key updates in its 2023 NDC?
India aims for a 45% emissions intensity reduction, 50% non-fossil fuel power by 2030 and creating a 2.5–3 billion tonne carbon sink.
3. How does thermal power contribute to carbon emissions in India?
Thermal power is the largest contributor to India’s carbon emissions, with significant pollution from coal-based plants.
4. How does state-wise electricity generation and consumption vary in India?
Some states generate more electricity than they consume, leading to power distribution imbalances.
5. What is the proposed solution for compensating thermal power-producing states?
Proposals include taxing power generation in producing states, collecting central taxes and using the Finance Commission for compensation.
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