Sunset for the U.K.’s Coal-Fired Power and Lessons for India

Context

• U.K. shuts down last coal-fired power plant, marking a significant shift in global energy production.
• India can learn from the U.K.’s transition to avoid past mistakes.

Introduction

• Transition away from coal has not been seamless; there are calls for global replication of the U.K. model, but developing nations need tailored approaches.

U.K. Coal Phaseout Timeline

• Historical Context:
  • 1952 Great Smog led to environmental legislation.
  • 1965 North Sea natural gas discovery spurred the shift from coal.
  • 1980s mine closures under Margaret Thatcher resulted in long-term economic challenges.
• Carbon Reduction Urgency: Different trajectories are necessary for various nations to effectively reduce carbon emissions.

Comparison with India

• Global Climate Talks: India advocated for “phasing down” coal at COP 2021, pledging net zero by 2070 and aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2050.

Cumulative Emissions

• Current Emissions:
  • India emits ~2.9 gigatons (2023), significantly more than the U.K.’s 384 million metric tonnes, but with a much larger population.
  • India’s per capita emissions are lower than the global average and the U.K.’s.

Historical Coal Context

• India’s Coal History:
  • First coal mine established in 1774; first coal-fired plant in 1920.
  • Coal has been a key energy source, with increasing domestic production and imports.

Future Projections

• Peak Coal Production: Expected between 2030-2035.
• Energy Output: 70% of India’s energy from coal, with plans for over 120 new mines.
• Employment: The coal sector could employ over a million people at peak, similar to historical figures in the U.K.

Learning from the U.K.’s Transition

• Holistic Transition:
  • U.K. focused on workforce retraining and community redevelopment post-coal phase-out.
  • Programs included skills training, early retirement options, and new industry development.
• Regional Redevelopment: Renewable energy projects were established in former coal regions.

Conclusion

• India must establish clear timelines for plant decommissioning, regional redevelopment, and workforce retraining.
• A holistic and transparent planning approach is crucial for a just transition, especially for impoverished, coal-dependent regions.

 

 

 India’s Changing Stance on Palestine

Context

• India’s position on Palestine, once a symbol of its anti-colonial ethos, has weakened since the end of the Cold War.

Introduction

• India’s growing closeness to Israel and the marginalization of Palestine are influenced by both domestic and global factors.

Evolution of Foreign Policy

• Influence of Hindutva:

• • The BJP and Sangh Parivar have shaped India’s diplomacy based on a Hindu nationalist worldview.
  • Increased affinity with Israel is viewed as a partnership against perceived ‘Islamic terror’.

• Historical Support for Palestine:

• • India’s support was historically rooted in anti-colonial struggles, but now is viewed through a communal lens.
  • Pro-Palestinian protests often face state repression.

• Shift in Foreign Policy:

• • Prime Minister Modi’s tribute to Zionism’s founder, Theodore Herzl, symbolizes this ideological shift.

Values or ‘Interests’?

• Transition from Values-Based to Transactional Diplomacy:

• • The value-based foreign policy of Nehru has transitioned to a transactional approach.
  • India-Israel relations have flourished, with bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion in 2022-23.

• New Approach:

• • The strategy includes treating India’s relations with Israel and Palestine as separate and enhancing cooperation by avoiding politically sensitive issues.
  • Globally, foreign policies are increasingly guided by economic and strategic interests.

Ambitions and the Great Game

• Role as a Broker:

• • India aspires to be a global power while simultaneously withdrawing support for Palestine.
  • Alignment with the U.S. adds to this dynamic amidst the China-U.S. rivalry.

• Rebranding Non-Alignment:

• • Legacy ideals of non-alignment are seen as outdated; there’s a shift towards strategic autonomy and multi-alignment.

• Response to Gaza:

• • India’s reaction has been limited to calls for peace, focusing more on strengthening ties with Israel.

Conclusion

• Although official rhetoric may support a two-state solution, the reality emphasizes strengthening ties with Israel and prioritizing economic interests. India appears to prioritize narrow interests over foundational principles. As the global landscape shifts, will India continue to prioritize power politics? The emerging “new” international order seems to be a continuation of power-driven dynamics, merely with different players.