India’s ambitious $80 billion coal-power expansion is facing a severe water shortage, raising concerns over energy security and environmental sustainability.
🔴 Key Highlights:
- Since 2014, India has lost 60.33 billion units of coal-power generation due to water shortages, equivalent to 19 days of coal-power supply.
- 37 out of 44 new coal projects are located in water-scarce regions, intensifying competition between power plants and local communities.
- NTPC, India’s largest power producer, operates nine projects in water-stressed areas, drawing 98.5% of its water from such regions.
- Solapur, Maharashtra, is a prime example, where a 1,320 MW coal plant competes with residents for water, leading to severe shortages.
📢 Expert Insights:
- Energy analysts warn that the thermal expansion could trigger conflicts between industry and local populations.
- NTPC claims it is working on water conservation, including treatment and reuse methods, but concerns remain.
⚠️ Strategic Impact:
- India’s reliance on coal continues despite investments in renewables, raising questions about long-term sustainability.
- Government policies on water allocation for power plants may need urgent review to prevent future crises.
👉 What do you think? Should India prioritize water-efficient energy solutions? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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