Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt emphasized that coal will continue to be a key component in India’s energy strategy as the nation aims to triple its per capita energy consumption by Viksit Bharat 2047. Speaking at the India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, Dutt highlighted the importance of realistic approaches in India’s energy transition.
Dutt, during a leadership panel discussion, stressed the necessity of affordable and reliable baseload power for India’s progress. He mentioned the significance of a gradual reduction rather than an abrupt elimination of coal, stating that coal is crucial for India’s development needs.
Kyle Haustveit from the US Department of Energy echoed the global importance of coal in ensuring energy security. Haustveit emphasized that coal offers stability in energy supply regardless of weather conditions or market fluctuations. He also suggested potential areas for enhanced collaboration between India and the US in clean coal technologies and coal-related sectors.
Coal India Limited’s Chairman-cum-Managing Director B. Sairam highlighted coal’s role as a transitional fuel during India’s energy shift. Sairam pointed out that with India’s energy demand rising, coal will provide reliable power while renewable energy sources evolve. He also noted that boosting domestic coal production could reduce imports and save foreign exchange reserves.
