Rise in global prices derails govt’s clean energy plans

Skyrocketing international fossil fuel rates, particularly of natural gas, due to the Russia-Ukraine war and a supply squeeze by energy exporting countries have compelled India to change its clean energy transition road map and revert to using both domestic and imported coal in a big way to meet its energy needs, a top government functionary said.“As far as fulfilling Paris commitment is concerned, India was among top three countries (in doing so). Natural gas was to play a major role in transition from coal to clean energy. But due to rising prices of natural gas, the country is forced to raise domestic coal production. Even many developed nations and emerging economies are going back to coal,” this person added on condition of anonymity.Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke of India’s changed position due to factors beyond its control at international fora…

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