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Coal in India

Coal's Role in India's Economy

Coal supplies most of India's electricity and much of its industry, and India is one of the world's largest coal producers and consumers.

Coal is India’s most important domestic energy source. It fuels power plants, steel mills, cement kilns and brick makers.

Power

Roughly seven in ten units of electricity in India come from coal.

Output

India produces about a billion tonnes of coal a year, second only to China.

Imports

India still imports coal for high-quality needs such as steel and for some coastal power plants.

A power plant

A thermal plant near a mine burns coal delivered by rail to generate electricity for millions of homes.

Assuming coal is fading quickly in India

It remains central.

Key takeaways
  • Coal supplies most electricity.
  • India is a top producer.
  • Imports fill some gaps.
  • Coal serves many industries.
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