India's coal mining expansion could double methane emissions, threatening climate goals
Time:Fri, 20 Sep 2024 06:53:07 +0800
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India's plans to expand coal mining could double methane emissions from its coal sector by 2029, threatening its climate goals, according to a report by energy think tank Ember. Methane, a powerful short-term greenhouse gas, is largely released from coal mining, which leaks gas from vents and open pits.
India is already one of the largest emitters of methane from coal mines and plans to increase coal production from 982 million to over 1.5 billion tons by 2030. This expansion could significantly raise emissions, undermining India's target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Ember suggested India invest in methane capture technology, which could reduce emissions and replace imported gas. The report warned that rapidly increasing energy demand in India is outpacing the growth of renewable energy, making the coal expansion a substantial risk to the country's climate commitments.
