India"s coal expansion could double methane emissions by 2029

India's coal mining expansion plans could significantly increase methane emissions, potentially doubling them by 2029. This alarming projection comes from a report by Ember, an independent energy think tank, which highlights the risks posed to India's climate goals. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is primarily released during coal mining through various leaks and emissions. As one of the largest coal producers and consumers globally, India is already a major contributor to coal-mine methane emissions. To meet the surging energy demand, India aims to ramp up coal production from 982 million tonnes to over 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030. This ambitious target raises concerns about the country's ability to achieve its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. The report warns that the planned coal expansion could undermine domestic emissions reduction efforts and exacerbate short-term warming effects. The increasing demand for electricity in India is outpacing the growth of renewable energy sources, creating a challenging situation for the country. Ember suggests that investing in mitigation technologies to capture methane could provide a solution, allowing India to utilize this gas instead of relying on imports. This approach could also lead to cost savings. While the European Union and the United States have initiated a Global Methane Pledge to reduce emissions, India, along with China and Russia, has not signed on. The urgency of addressing methane emissions is underscored by recent findings that show rising concentrations of this greenhouse gas, primarily linked to coal extraction and fossil fuel production.