The Indian coal mining sector is a prime mover of the national energy supply. This sector urgently needs strategically designed pathways towards net zero emissions due to increasing concern for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). A comprehensive approach integrating technological, operational, and policy-driven strategies is key to net-zero goals. This paper explores viable net-zero pathways for the Indian coal mining sector based on three strategic pillars: (1) decarbonization of mining operations, (2) mitigation of fugitive emissions and, (3) adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Decarbonizing mining operations involves the electrification of mining equipment. Integrating renewable energy and adopting energy-efficient measures in coal mining operations could lead to reduced GHG emissions. Mitigating fugitive methane emissions from coal mining activities is also a key step for decarbonization. The fugitive methane emissions could effectively be reduced using advanced ventilation air methane (VAM) oxidation and coal mine methane (CMM) end-use technologies. This paper evaluates the applicability of these approaches in the Indian coal mining sector. Integrating CCUS technologies in the coal mining sector can reduce its carbon footprint. Deep virgin coal seams could be utilized to store large amounts of CO2 and to recover methane. A holistic approach to achieving net zero requires enabling policies, regulatory frameworks and financial incentives. Government intervention, carbon pricing mechanisms and industry collaboration are essential to drive investment in low-carbon technologies. This paper also highlights the importance of innovative technologies, policy support and cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving net-zero emissions in the coal mining sector. These strategies offer a practical road map for the Indian coal mining industry to align with national and global climate targets while ensuring energy security and economic development.

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Decarbonizing the Indian Coal Mining Sector: Strategic Pathways to Achieve Net Zero Emissions

  • Jaywardhan Kumar,
  • Vinod Atmaram Mendhe,
  • Debadutta Mohanty

摘要

The Indian coal mining sector is a prime mover of the national energy supply. This sector urgently needs strategically designed pathways towards net zero emissions due to increasing concern for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). A comprehensive approach integrating technological, operational, and policy-driven strategies is key to net-zero goals. This paper explores viable net-zero pathways for the Indian coal mining sector based on three strategic pillars: (1) decarbonization of mining operations, (2) mitigation of fugitive emissions and, (3) adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Decarbonizing mining operations involves the electrification of mining equipment. Integrating renewable energy and adopting energy-efficient measures in coal mining operations could lead to reduced GHG emissions. Mitigating fugitive methane emissions from coal mining activities is also a key step for decarbonization. The fugitive methane emissions could effectively be reduced using advanced ventilation air methane (VAM) oxidation and coal mine methane (CMM) end-use technologies. This paper evaluates the applicability of these approaches in the Indian coal mining sector. Integrating CCUS technologies in the coal mining sector can reduce its carbon footprint. Deep virgin coal seams could be utilized to store large amounts of CO2 and to recover methane. A holistic approach to achieving net zero requires enabling policies, regulatory frameworks and financial incentives. Government intervention, carbon pricing mechanisms and industry collaboration are essential to drive investment in low-carbon technologies. This paper also highlights the importance of innovative technologies, policy support and cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving net-zero emissions in the coal mining sector. These strategies offer a practical road map for the Indian coal mining industry to align with national and global climate targets while ensuring energy security and economic development.