US Coal Policy under Donald Trump

Trump supports fossil fuels , including coal, and opposes climate advocates pushing for coal retirement. Claims that past environmental policies harmed US interests while China expanded its coal industry .

  • Plans to increase US coal production , branding it as “BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL.”
  • His stance revives debates between coal producers and climate advocates.

Impact on India

  • India has been under global pressure to reduce coal dependency .
  • Trump's support for coal can ease this pressure , allowing India to justify coal usage.
  • India’s energy strategy needs to balance fossil fuels and renewables .
  • US-India coal trade is minimal , but global market shifts may impact India.

Global Coal Outlook (S&P Global Commodity Insights, 2025)

  • China vs. the West rivalry shaping coal policies.
  • China leading in clean technology while the US/EU impose tariffs to protect their industries.
  • Chinese renewable energy growth to slow , but coal-fired power to rise in 2025.
  • India’s coal demand will continue to grow , surpassing renewable supply.
US Coal Policy under Donald Trump

India’s Coal Sector Developments

  • Coal remains India’s primary fuel for electricity generation.
  • FY 2024-25 (till Feb 2025):
    • 764.56 million tonnes of coal dispatched to power plants.
    • 757.70 million tonnes consumed domestically.
    • Over 1 billion tonnes produced (75% from Coal India Ltd).
  • Increased domestic production → Lower coal imports .
  • Mission Coking Coal launched to enhance domestic coking coal supply and reduce imports.
  • Coal India Ltd (CIL) expanding coal washing capacity for the steel industry.
    • Plan: 11 new coking coal washeries (3 commissioned, 8 in progress).
    • Goal: 10 million tonnes per year of washed coking coal by 2030.

Clean Coal Research & Future Initiatives

  • CLEANZ (Centre of Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero) launched at IIT Hyderabad.
  • Focus areas:
    • Enhanced coal bed methane recovery .
    • Carbon capture technologies .
    • Coal gasification & syngas utilization .
    • Energy efficiency using AI & ML.
  • India investing in transmission networks & energy storage to integrate different power sources.

Geopolitical & Economic Considerations

  • Trump’s stance may disrupt climate finance for developing nations.
  • India has enough coal reserves , reducing dependency on external financing.
  • Long-term investment in mines ensures stable power generation .
  • Opportunity for India to leverage coal in energy security planning .