China said it has increased daily coal production by over one million tonnes, easing its energy shortage as world leaders gather in Britain for climate talks billed as one of the last chances to avert catastrophic global warming.

The world's biggest coal importer has battled widespread power cuts in recent months that have disrupted supply chains, due to strict emissions targets and record prices for the fossil fuel.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/due-to-fuel-shortages-china-rations-diesel-424700">Due to fuel shortages, China rations diesel&nbsp;</a>

But the crisis is now winding down thanks to a boost in domestic coal output, according to a statement from China's top economic planning body late Sunday.

The National Development and Reform Commission said average daily coal production has risen to above 11.5 million tonnes since the middle of October, up by 1.1 million tonnes compared with the end of September.

The production surge comes as world leaders -- but not Chinese President Xi Jinping -- convene in Glasgow for COP26 talks to secure more ambitious global greenhouse gas emissions.

Xi, whose country is the world's largest emitter of planet-heating gases, has instead submitted a written statement to the summit.

In recent months, several Chinese factories were forced to halt operations due to power outages, raising concern about global supply chains.

The squeeze had also been exacerbated by Beijing's zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy that saw it all but close its borders to the outside world, hindering shipments of raw materials from overseas.

A trade tiff with Australia also heightened the drop in coal imports.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-rises-on-demand-outlook-despite-china-fuel-reserves-release-425899">&nbsp;Oil rises on demand outlook, despite China fuel reserves release</a>

But at one point in late October daily output hit 11.72 million tonnes, a record in recent years.

Spot prices for the fuel are also "falling fast" with the main contract for thermal coal halving to 970 yuan per tonne over the previous eight days.

"Levels of coal storage&nbsp;have also risen rapidly with the gradual improvement of the supply-demand situation," the agency said.

China generates about 60 percent of its energy from burning coal.

Beijing submitted a renewed climate plan to the United Nations days before the COP26 climate summit, confirming its goal to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 and slash its emissions intensity -- the amount of emissions per unit of economic output -- by more than 65 percent.

China said it has increased daily coal production by over one million tonnes, easing its energy shortage as world leaders gather in Britain for climate talks billed as one of the last chances to avert catastrophic global warming.

China said it has increased daily coal production by over one million tonnes, easing its energy shortage as world leaders gather in Britain for climate talks billed as one of the last chances to avert catastrophic global warming. The world's biggest coal importer has battled widespread power cuts in recent months that have disrupted supply chains, due to strict emissions targets and record prices for the fossil fuel. Also Read | Due to fuel shortages, China rations diesel But the crisis is now winding down thanks to a boost in domestic coal output, according to a statement from China's top economic planning body late Sunday. The National Development and Reform Commission said average daily coal production has risen to above 11.5 million tonnes since the middle of October, up by 1.1 million tonnes compared with the end of September. The production surge comes as world leaders -- but not Chinese President Xi Jinping -- convene in Glasgow for COP26 talks to secure more ambitious global greenhouse gas emissions. Xi, whose country is the world's largest emitter of planet-heating gases, has instead submitted a written statement to the summit. In recent months, several Chinese factories were forced to halt operations due to power outages, raising concern about global supply chains. The squeeze had also been exacerbated by Beijing's zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy that saw it all but close its borders to the outside world, hindering shipments of raw materials from overseas. A trade tiff with Australia also heightened the drop in coal imports. Also Read | Oil rises on demand outlook, despite China fuel reserves release But at one point in late October daily output hit 11.72 million tonnes, a record in recent years. Spot prices for the fuel are also "falling fast" with the main contract for thermal coal halving to 970 yuan per tonne over the previous eight days. "Levels of coal storage have also risen rapidly with the gradual improvement of the supply-demand situation," the agency said. China generates about 60 percent of its energy from burning coal. Beijing submitted a renewed climate plan to the United Nations days before the COP26 climate summit, confirming its goal to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 and slash its emissions intensity -- the amount of emissions per unit of economic output -- by more than 65 percent.

China eases power crunch with boost to coal production

<article>
Having powered the industrial era, coal made many of the Group of 20 countries what they are today: the world’s 20 largest economies.

On Sunday, leaders from the G-20, who today represent the world’s biggest coal producers and consumers, agreed to take the first steps to weaken coal’s future, although they fell far short of what is necessary to sufficiently address climate change. In a joint communiqué released at the end of their summit in Rome, the G-20 leaders said they would end the financing of coal power plants overseas, but the statement included no new commitments on curbing the use of coal domestically.

The communiqué also sent an important symbolic message as United Nations-led climate talks get underway this week in Glasgow, Scotland. The leaders pledged to “pursue efforts” to limit the global average temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, compared with preindustrial times.

But the world is currently not on track to achieve that goal, which scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of climate change. This stark fact hangs over the Glasgow climate summit, raising fears that the summit will yield similar half-steps.

Beyond vague if well-meaning targets, what matters are concrete measures that countries are taking to rein in the emissions of planet-warming gases more quickly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hopes-unfulfilled-g20-summit-ends-without-firm-commitment-on-emissions-425666">Also read |&nbsp;'Hopes unfulfilled': G20 summit ends without firm commitment on emissions</a>

“We remain committed to the Paris Agreement goal to hold the global average temperature increase well below 2 degrees C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C above preindustrial levels,” the final statement read, referring to the agreement among world nations to work together to cut emissions to limit global warming.

To actually achieve the 1.5-degree target, countries in the group would have to strengthen their national climate targets. The existing country commitments put the world on a path to far higher levels of warming, with the global average temperature rising by 2.7 degrees Celsius by 2100, which could lead to far more harrowing heat waves, fires and flooding.

Nor did the G-20 agree to specific financial arrangements to encourage emerging economies to make the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Climate advocates said it is imperative to deliver tangible new commitments in Glasgow.

“The G-20 leaders’ call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is very significant,” said Ulka Kelkar, climate director for the India office of the World Resources Institute. The Glasgow conference “now needs to back it up with measures to cut emissions rapidly in this decade and urgently scale up climate finance.”

Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International, was more blunt. “If the G-20 was a dress rehearsal,” she said, for the U.N. summit in Glasgow, “then world leaders fluffed their lines.”

“Their communiqué was weak, lacking both ambition and vision, and simply failed to meet the moment,” Morgan said.

In their statement, the G-20 leaders said: “Keeping 1.5 within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries, taking into account different approaches, through the development of clear national pathways.”

The communiqué also added an important caveat for big, emerging economies like India that have pressed for money and technology to make the transition away from coal: It said that reaching this goal will require “different approaches,” as well as “international cooperation and support, including finance and technology.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-warns-on-cop26-if-glasgow-fails-the-whole-thing-fails-425669">Also read |&nbsp;UK's Johnson warns on COP26: 'If Glasgow fails, the whole thing fails'</a>

The communiqué was lacking in specific financial commitments, which are necessary to persuade developing countries to make the energy transition, especially the phasing out of coal.

But in a first for the G-20, members agreed to take steps to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. “We acknowledge that methane emissions represent a significant contribution to climate change and recognize, according to national circumstances, that its reduction can be one of the quickest, most feasible and most cost-effective ways to limit climate change and its impacts,” they wrote.

Coal remains the single largest source of electricity globally, yet its combustion is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions. Those emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and have already warmed the planet by more than 1 degree Celsius, wreaking havoc on weather patterns around the world.

The host of the summit, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, pressed G-20 leaders to speed up the exit from coal. “We need to set long-term goals that are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and make short-term changes to achieve them,” he told reporters in Rome. “We must accelerate the phasing out of coal and invest more in renewable energy.”

Moving the world’s biggest economies away from coal by 2030 is vital to reaching the 1.5-degree target, analysts have said. But there are powerful countries that rely on coal.

China consumes more coal than any other country and has stepped up coal power production in recent weeks, in the wake of electricity shortages. India, too, relies on coal to produce most of its electricity and plans to consume more of it to meet its energy needs. Australia is a large coal exporter and keen to hold onto the revenues it creates.

The United States, Britain and the countries of the European Union have begun to pivot sharply away from coal, relying instead on natural gas. Although gas burns more cleanly than coal, it is also a fossil fuel that produces carbon dioxide.

António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, has pushed countries to stop building new coal plants and to end subsidies on fossil fuels. Agreement on these issues has proved elusive.

The G-20 statement did pledge to end the practice of financing coal power plants in foreign countries, which in recent years had been a way for countries, including Japan, South Korea and China, to sell coal power infrastructure to developing nations. Turkey held out on the language regarding coal financing until the last minute, according to a G-20 official familiar with the matter, but ultimately agreed.

“The necessity of the coal phase out challenge has now been elevated all the way to G20 Leaders, but it is evident that some are still resisting agreeing to explicit language on coal,” Chris Littlecott, who follows coal for E3G, a London-based research group, said on Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-meets-erdogan-in-rome-f-16-deal-human-rights-dominate-agenda-425653">Also read |&nbsp;Biden meets Erdogan in Rome; F-16 deal, human rights dominate agenda</a>

He noted that the G-20 was following global trends, not leading them. The number of proposed coal plants has fallen sharply. That is because coal is no longer the cheapest source of energy, as it once was, and civil society groups in Asian countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan&nbsp;have vigorously pushed back against coal projects in the pipeline.

President Joe Biden has urged his fellow world leaders at the summit to act aggressively on climate, and his administration pushed for the agreement to end coal financing. But at home, Biden has struggled to hasten the shift away from coal and other fossil fuels.

He has thus far fallen short in his promise to end fossil fuel subsidies in the U.S. tax code. His attempt to raise billions of dollars by ending those subsidies was removed from a framework deal to fund investments in low-emission energy production, child care and a range of social policies, which Democrats were hoping to pass in the House and Senate as early as this week. A handful of Democrats, including coal-state Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have resisted Biden’s push to limit the subsidies.
</article>

Having powered the industrial era, coal made many of the Group of 20 countries what they are today: the world’s 20 largest economies. On Sunday, leaders from the G-20, who today represent the world’s biggest coal producers and consumers, agreed to take the first steps to weaken coal’s future, although they fell far short of what is necessary to sufficiently address climate change.

Having powered the industrial era, coal made many of the Group of 20 countries what they are today: the world’s 20 largest economies. On Sunday, leaders from the G-20, who today represent the world’s biggest coal producers and consumers, agreed to take the first steps to weaken coal’s future, although they fell far short of what is necessary to sufficiently address climate change. In a joint communiqué released at the end of their summit in Rome, the G-20 leaders said they would end the financing of coal power plants overseas, but the statement included no new commitments on curbing the use of coal domestically. The communiqué also sent an important symbolic message as United Nations-led climate talks get underway this week in Glasgow, Scotland. The leaders pledged to “pursue efforts” to limit the global average temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, compared with preindustrial times. But the world is currently not on track to achieve that goal, which scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of climate change. This stark fact hangs over the Glasgow climate summit, raising fears that the summit will yield similar half-steps. Beyond vague if well-meaning targets, what matters are concrete measures that countries are taking to rein in the emissions of planet-warming gases more quickly. Also read | 'Hopes unfulfilled': G20 summit ends without firm commitment on emissions “We remain committed to the Paris Agreement goal to hold the global average temperature increase well below 2 degrees C and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees C above preindustrial levels,” the final statement read, referring to the agreement among world nations to work together to cut emissions to limit global warming. To actually achieve the 1.5-degree target, countries in the group would have to strengthen their national climate targets. The existing country commitments put the world on a path to far higher levels of warming, with the global average temperature rising by 2.7 degrees Celsius by 2100, which could lead to far more harrowing heat waves, fires and flooding. Nor did the G-20 agree to specific financial arrangements to encourage emerging economies to make the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Climate advocates said it is imperative to deliver tangible new commitments in Glasgow. “The G-20 leaders’ call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is very significant,” said Ulka Kelkar, climate director for the India office of the World Resources Institute. The Glasgow conference “now needs to back it up with measures to cut emissions rapidly in this decade and urgently scale up climate finance.” Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International, was more blunt. “If the G-20 was a dress rehearsal,” she said, for the U.N. summit in Glasgow, “then world leaders fluffed their lines.” “Their communiqué was weak, lacking both ambition and vision, and simply failed to meet the moment,” Morgan said. In their statement, the G-20 leaders said: “Keeping 1.5 within reach will require meaningful and effective actions and commitment by all countries, taking into account different approaches, through the development of clear national pathways.” The communiqué also added an important caveat for big, emerging economies like India that have pressed for money and technology to make the transition away from coal: It said that reaching this goal will require “different approaches,” as well as “international cooperation and support, including finance and technology.” Also read | UK's Johnson warns on COP26: 'If Glasgow fails, the whole thing fails' The communiqué was lacking in specific financial commitments, which are necessary to persuade developing countries to make the energy transition, especially the phasing out of coal. But in a first for the G-20, members agreed to take steps to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. “We acknowledge that methane emissions represent a significant contribution to climate change and recognize, according to national circumstances, that its reduction can be one of the quickest, most feasible and most cost-effective ways to limit climate change and its impacts,” they wrote. Coal remains the single largest source of electricity globally, yet its combustion is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions. Those emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and have already warmed the planet by more than 1 degree Celsius, wreaking havoc on weather patterns around the world. The host of the summit, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, pressed G-20 leaders to speed up the exit from coal. “We need to set long-term goals that are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and make short-term changes to achieve them,” he told reporters in Rome. “We must accelerate the phasing out of coal and invest more in renewable energy.” Moving the world’s biggest economies away from coal by 2030 is vital to reaching the 1.5-degree target, analysts have said. But there are powerful countries that rely on coal. China consumes more coal than any other country and has stepped up coal power production in recent weeks, in the wake of electricity shortages. India, too, relies on coal to produce most of its electricity and plans to consume more of it to meet its energy needs. Australia is a large coal exporter and keen to hold onto the revenues it creates. The United States, Britain and the countries of the European Union have begun to pivot sharply away from coal, relying instead on natural gas. Although gas burns more cleanly than coal, it is also a fossil fuel that produces carbon dioxide. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, has pushed countries to stop building new coal plants and to end subsidies on fossil fuels. Agreement on these issues has proved elusive. The G-20 statement did pledge to end the practice of financing coal power plants in foreign countries, which in recent years had been a way for countries, including Japan, South Korea and China, to sell coal power infrastructure to developing nations. Turkey held out on the language regarding coal financing until the last minute, according to a G-20 official familiar with the matter, but ultimately agreed. “The necessity of the coal phase out challenge has now been elevated all the way to G20 Leaders, but it is evident that some are still resisting agreeing to explicit language on coal,” Chris Littlecott, who follows coal for E3G, a London-based research group, said on Twitter. Also read | Biden meets Erdogan in Rome; F-16 deal, human rights dominate agenda He noted that the G-20 was following global trends, not leading them. The number of proposed coal plants has fallen sharply. That is because coal is no longer the cheapest source of energy, as it once was, and civil society groups in Asian countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh and Pakistan have vigorously pushed back against coal projects in the pipeline. President Joe Biden has urged his fellow world leaders at the summit to act aggressively on climate, and his administration pushed for the agreement to end coal financing. But at home, Biden has struggled to hasten the shift away from coal and other fossil fuels. He has thus far fallen short in his promise to end fossil fuel subsidies in the U.S. tax code. His attempt to raise billions of dollars by ending those subsidies was removed from a framework deal to fund investments in low-emission energy production, child care and a range of social policies, which Democrats were hoping to pass in the House and Senate as early as this week. A handful of Democrats, including coal-state Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have resisted Biden’s push to limit the subsidies.

G-20 nations agree to new limits on coal-burning power plants

A new report by Bennington College’s Beyond Plastics project has revealed that the plastics industry in the US will be releasing more greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than coal-powered electricity generating plants by the end of the decade.

The report found that the American plastics industry is releasing at least 232m tons of GHG annually. This is equivalent to 116 average-sized coal-fired power plants.

Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and former regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator under President Obama said that plastic has become the new coal. She was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The health impacts of the emissions are disproportionately borne by low-income communities and communities of color."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-largest-triceratops-big-john-fetches-nearly-8-million-in-auction-422838">Also read |&nbsp;World's largest triceratops, 'Big John,' fetches nearly $8 million in auction</a>

It has been reported that 90 per cent of the plastics industry’s climate change pollution takes place in just 18 communities. This is where the residents earn 28 per cent less than the average American household and are 67 per cent more likely to be minority communities.

The report further highlighted 10 different stages in which plastics manufacturing emits the maximum amount of GHG. It was concluded that Hydro-fracking is expected to release 45m tons of methane annually in the US by 2025.

Also, transporting and processing fracked gases emit roughly 4.8m tons of methane a year.

The petrochemical ethane gas cracker facilities release at least 70m tons of GHG annually.&nbsp;

Various other plastic raw materials manufacturing is responsible for 28m tons of GHG emissions annually. The exports and imports of plastics raw materials and products emit at least 51m tons of GHG annually. This is equivalent to more than 25 coal-fired power plants.

A new report by Bennington College’s Beyond Plastics project has revealed that the plastics industry in the US will be releasing more greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than coal-powered electricity generating plants by the end of the decade.

A new report by Bennington College’s Beyond Plastics project has revealed that the plastics industry in the US will be releasing more greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than coal-powered electricity generating plants by the end of the decade. The report found that the American plastics industry is releasing at least 232m tons of GHG annually. This is equivalent to 116 average-sized coal-fired power plants. Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and former regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator under President Obama said that plastic has become the new coal. She was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "The health impacts of the emissions are disproportionately borne by low-income communities and communities of color." Also read | World's largest triceratops, 'Big John,' fetches nearly $8 million in auction It has been reported that 90 per cent of the plastics industry’s climate change pollution takes place in just 18 communities. This is where the residents earn 28 per cent less than the average American household and are 67 per cent more likely to be minority communities. The report further highlighted 10 different stages in which plastics manufacturing emits the maximum amount of GHG. It was concluded that Hydro-fracking is expected to release 45m tons of methane annually in the US by 2025. Also, transporting and processing fracked gases emit roughly 4.8m tons of methane a year. The petrochemical ethane gas cracker facilities release at least 70m tons of GHG annually. Various other plastic raw materials manufacturing is responsible for 28m tons of GHG emissions annually. The exports and imports of plastics raw materials and products emit at least 51m tons of GHG annually. This is equivalent to more than 25 coal-fired power plants.

US: Plastics to overtake coal’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, says study

The Group of 20 rich countries are divided over phasing out coal and committing to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as they prepare for a crucial summit in Rome next week, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

The need to curb emissions will be high on the agenda of the Rome G20 gathering on Oct. 30-31, seen as a key stepping stone immediately ahead of broader United Nations climate talks, called COP 26, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland.

So far big polluters such as China and India have dug in their heels and little progress has been made since G20 energy and environment ministers met in Naples in July, said three sources, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the talks.

"Countries are not moving, at the moment they are still just making sure their positions are heard loud and clear," said one of the sources.

However he added that such intransigence was normal at this stage and any concessions were unlikely to come before G20 climate sherpas meet face-to-face next Thursday and Friday, immediately before their leaders` weekend meeting.

"Where I see the problem is in the commitment to 1.5 degrees and in the phase out of coal and fossil fuels by China, India and Russia," said another source, a G20 minister.

Climate scientists say capping global warming at 1.5 degrees compared with pre-industrial levels is vital to limit environmental disasters, but a broad and clear commitment to achieve the goal is proving elusive.

The landmark UN Paris Agreement signed in 2015 aimed to limit global warming to "well below 2 degrees" and "preferably" to 1.5 degrees, and since then international gatherings have tried with difficulty to toughen up the language.

In Naples, energy and environment ministers recognised that environmental risks were lower at 1.5 degrees than at 2, but again fell short of clearly stating 1.5 must not be breached.

They also failed to reach unanimous agreement on fixing dates to end fossil fuel subsidies, halt international financing of coal projects and phase out coal power altogether, asking leaders to bridge the gaps at the upcoming Rome summit.

<h2>Big-hitters stay home</h2>

At least four G20 leaders are not expected to come to Rome, including China`s Xi Jinping, at the helm of the world`s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, and Russia`s Vladimir Putin, head of a major oil and gas producer.

One source said while such absences were "not a great political signal," they would not necessarily prevent progress.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be coming to Rome, officials said, and New Delhi confirmed on Thursday that he will also be at the COP26 in Glasgow.

Neither Russia, China nor India have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, considered a vital goal in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.

So far China is proving most reluctant to commit to the 1.5 degree ceiling, while India is most intransigent in not pledging net zero emissions by 2050, one of the sources said.

China and India are also among a group of countries that have not yet presented new national plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP 26, on how they will help curb climate change.

The COP26 president, Britain`s Alok Sharma, said in a speech this month the G20, which accounts for 80% of global emissions, would be "make, or break" for achieving success in Glasgow.

However, one of the sources said breakthroughs were more likely in Glasgow than in Rome.

Big emitters like China, India and Russia tend to feel pressured and hectored by the Western countries at the G20, he said, making them defensive and reluctant to concede ground.

The much larger UN forum was more "neutral" and conducive to compromise, he said.

The Rome G20 will also focus on the coronavirus pandemic and how to foster global economic recovery, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who will chair the meeting, said on Wednesday.

The Group of 20 rich countries are divided over phasing out coal and committing to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as they prepare for a crucial summit in Rome next week, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

The Group of 20 rich countries are divided over phasing out coal and committing to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as they prepare for a crucial summit in Rome next week, sources familiar with the negotiations said. The need to curb emissions will be high on the agenda of the Rome G20 gathering on Oct. 30-31, seen as a key stepping stone immediately ahead of broader United Nations climate talks, called COP 26, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. So far big polluters such as China and India have dug in their heels and little progress has been made since G20 energy and environment ministers met in Naples in July, said three sources, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the talks. "Countries are not moving, at the moment they are still just making sure their positions are heard loud and clear," said one of the sources. However he added that such intransigence was normal at this stage and any concessions were unlikely to come before G20 climate sherpas meet face-to-face next Thursday and Friday, immediately before their leaders` weekend meeting. "Where I see the problem is in the commitment to 1.5 degrees and in the phase out of coal and fossil fuels by China, India and Russia," said another source, a G20 minister. Climate scientists say capping global warming at 1.5 degrees compared with pre-industrial levels is vital to limit environmental disasters, but a broad and clear commitment to achieve the goal is proving elusive. The landmark UN Paris Agreement signed in 2015 aimed to limit global warming to "well below 2 degrees" and "preferably" to 1.5 degrees, and since then international gatherings have tried with difficulty to toughen up the language. In Naples, energy and environment ministers recognised that environmental risks were lower at 1.5 degrees than at 2, but again fell short of clearly stating 1.5 must not be breached. They also failed to reach unanimous agreement on fixing dates to end fossil fuel subsidies, halt international financing of coal projects and phase out coal power altogether, asking leaders to bridge the gaps at the upcoming Rome summit. Big-hitters stay home At least four G20 leaders are not expected to come to Rome, including China`s Xi Jinping, at the helm of the world`s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, and Russia`s Vladimir Putin, head of a major oil and gas producer. One source said while such absences were "not a great political signal," they would not necessarily prevent progress. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be coming to Rome, officials said, and New Delhi confirmed on Thursday that he will also be at the COP26 in Glasgow. Neither Russia, China nor India have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, considered a vital goal in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. So far China is proving most reluctant to commit to the 1.5 degree ceiling, while India is most intransigent in not pledging net zero emissions by 2050, one of the sources said. China and India are also among a group of countries that have not yet presented new national plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP 26, on how they will help curb climate change. The COP26 president, Britain`s Alok Sharma, said in a speech this month the G20, which accounts for 80% of global emissions, would be "make, or break" for achieving success in Glasgow. However, one of the sources said breakthroughs were more likely in Glasgow than in Rome. Big emitters like China, India and Russia tend to feel pressured and hectored by the Western countries at the G20, he said, making them defensive and reluctant to concede ground. The much larger UN forum was more "neutral" and conducive to compromise, he said. The Rome G20 will also focus on the coronavirus pandemic and how to foster global economic recovery, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who will chair the meeting, said on Wednesday.

G20 split over coal, 1.5 degree climate limit ahead of Rome summit: Report

By the year 2060, Indonesia has vowed to become a carbon neutral nation. In fact, it has announced that it will stop building new coal fired plants by as early as the year 2023.

Indonesia vows to become carbon neutral nation

With the pandemic grimly persisting, American homes could face a meager holiday season, forced to do without some of their favorite items missing from store shelves.

Even as demand surges as the world's largest economy reopens, US retailers are working hard to avoid putting a damper on festivities, taking unprecedented actions to try to navigate around myriad supply chain obstacles.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-power-crisis-eases-on-account-of-increased-coal-supply-onset-of-winter-421204">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-new-hypersonic-missile-test-in-august-china-surprised-us-officials-421414" hreflang="en">With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials</a>

The most dramatic steps have included moves by Walmart and other big box chains to charter their own ships and bypass messy delays at West Coast ports.

Other workarounds have included bringing imports in earlier in the season, launching holiday promotions sooner and shifting to air cargo from ships.

"A lot of companies have made the decision over the last 30 days that 'we have to change modes,'" said Neel Jones Shah, global head of air freight at Flexport, a freight forwarding company.&nbsp;

"They're having to pivot to air or they're going to miss their sale season all-together."

But even with these measures, Scott Case, a logistics industry veteran and founder of Chicago-based Position: Global, predicted "there are going to be noticeable gaps in what is available to people this holiday season."

Retailers are trying to plan for that as well, working up strategies to mollify or cushion the disappointment when choice items run out.

'Monumental shortages'&nbsp;

On the positive side, consumer activity remains robust, a dynamic apparent in US retail sales data released Friday, which showed another surprising gain in September.

"It will be a good holiday season from a demand perspective," said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, who expects companies to offer fewer promotions to entice buyers than they have in the past due to the tight supply.

On top of the backlog at ports, that has seen ships lining up waiting to offload their containers, retailers are contending with manufacturing outages at key plants in Asia where local governments have imposed lockdowns due to COVID-19.

They also face shortages of front-line workers, which could make it challenging to hire enough seasonal employees.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-more-plaintiffs-join-lawsuit-against-liberty-university-over-sexual-abuse-421430">10 more plaintiffs join lawsuit against Liberty University over sexual abuse</a>

These supply chain bottlenecks were a key focus of attention of finance ministers gathered last week in Washington.

And at the White House President Joe Biden announced a commitment by the Los Angeles Port to work 24 hours a day.

Piggybacking on the publicity surrounding the issue, trade groups like the National Retail Federation have been urging consumers to shop early this season.&nbsp;

But even so "There's going to be some monumental shortages," said Terry Esper, a professor of logistics at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business.

Retailers are going to need to resort to &nbsp;"demand shaping," where they steer consumers to products that are in stock, or substitution, sometimes with a higher-value option. For example, a customer who wants a wool sweater, might be offered one made of cashmere instead.

Companies are diversifying suppliers and shifting from a "just in time" to a "just in case" inventory management, said Esper, who also expects greater use of automation in light of the labor crunch.

"The projections is this is going to be a tight squeeze until 2023," Esper said. "This is not a holiday issue. This is a transition to a different business model."

Higher prices ahead

The squeeze in capacity on everything from warehouse space to cargo planes also adds cost, which are already trending higher because of higher wages. Estimates vary, but industry officials have complained about ocean freight prices as much as 10 times their pre-pandemic level.&nbsp;

And surging oil prices led Delta Air Lines to warn this week that increased jet fuel costs could result in an unprofitable fourth quarter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-to-bidens-climate-agenda-likely-to-be-cut-because-of-manchin-opposition-421381" hreflang="en">Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition</a>

Saunders of GlobalData expects some inflation, but said in the "extremely competitive" retail sector "companies have to be careful about passing it on for fear of losing market share."

At Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio, Bryan Schreiber, manager of air cargo business development, said he is surprised not to have seen a bigger hike in prices.

"Maybe the companies are trying to hold down those costs that they pass on to consumers," he told AFP. "But I do think ultimately for a lot of stuff -- if you can get it -- it's going to become a lot more expensive."

With the pandemic grimly persisting, American homes could face a meager holiday season, forced to do without some of their favorite items missing from store shelves.

With the pandemic grimly persisting, American homes could face a meager holiday season, forced to do without some of their favorite items missing from store shelves. Even as demand surges as the world's largest economy reopens, US retailers are working hard to avoid putting a damper on festivities, taking unprecedented actions to try to navigate around myriad supply chain obstacles. Also Read | With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials The most dramatic steps have included moves by Walmart and other big box chains to charter their own ships and bypass messy delays at West Coast ports. Other workarounds have included bringing imports in earlier in the season, launching holiday promotions sooner and shifting to air cargo from ships. "A lot of companies have made the decision over the last 30 days that 'we have to change modes,'" said Neel Jones Shah, global head of air freight at Flexport, a freight forwarding company. "They're having to pivot to air or they're going to miss their sale season all-together." But even with these measures, Scott Case, a logistics industry veteran and founder of Chicago-based Position: Global, predicted "there are going to be noticeable gaps in what is available to people this holiday season." Retailers are trying to plan for that as well, working up strategies to mollify or cushion the disappointment when choice items run out. 'Monumental shortages' On the positive side, consumer activity remains robust, a dynamic apparent in US retail sales data released Friday, which showed another surprising gain in September. "It will be a good holiday season from a demand perspective," said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, who expects companies to offer fewer promotions to entice buyers than they have in the past due to the tight supply. On top of the backlog at ports, that has seen ships lining up waiting to offload their containers, retailers are contending with manufacturing outages at key plants in Asia where local governments have imposed lockdowns due to COVID-19. They also face shortages of front-line workers, which could make it challenging to hire enough seasonal employees. Also Read | 10 more plaintiffs join lawsuit against Liberty University over sexual abuse These supply chain bottlenecks were a key focus of attention of finance ministers gathered last week in Washington. And at the White House President Joe Biden announced a commitment by the Los Angeles Port to work 24 hours a day. Piggybacking on the publicity surrounding the issue, trade groups like the National Retail Federation have been urging consumers to shop early this season. But even so "There's going to be some monumental shortages," said Terry Esper, a professor of logistics at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. Retailers are going to need to resort to "demand shaping," where they steer consumers to products that are in stock, or substitution, sometimes with a higher-value option. For example, a customer who wants a wool sweater, might be offered one made of cashmere instead. Companies are diversifying suppliers and shifting from a "just in time" to a "just in case" inventory management, said Esper, who also expects greater use of automation in light of the labor crunch. "The projections is this is going to be a tight squeeze until 2023," Esper said. "This is not a holiday issue. This is a transition to a different business model." Higher prices ahead The squeeze in capacity on everything from warehouse space to cargo planes also adds cost, which are already trending higher because of higher wages. Estimates vary, but industry officials have complained about ocean freight prices as much as 10 times their pre-pandemic level. And surging oil prices led Delta Air Lines to warn this week that increased jet fuel costs could result in an unprofitable fourth quarter. Also Read | Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition Saunders of GlobalData expects some inflation, but said in the "extremely competitive" retail sector "companies have to be careful about passing it on for fear of losing market share." At Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio, Bryan Schreiber, manager of air cargo business development, said he is surprised not to have seen a bigger hike in prices. "Maybe the companies are trying to hold down those costs that they pass on to consumers," he told AFP. "But I do think ultimately for a lot of stuff -- if you can get it -- it's going to become a lot more expensive."

Coal in the stocking: US retailers scramble ahead of festive season

India's electricity demand grew 4.9 per cent&nbsp;during the first half of October, with supply falling short of demand by 1.4 per cent despite a 3.2 per cent rise in coal-fired generation and 30 per cent rise in solar output, a Reuters analysis of government data showed.

Increased economic activity after the second wave of the coronavirus has driven up electricity demand, resulting in a supply deficit due to a coal shortage that has forced northern states to cut power this month for up to 14 hours a day.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-achieve-450-gw-renewable-energy-installed-capacity-by-2030-centre-420061">India set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030: Centre</a>

The rapid surge in power demand and high global coal prices have left utilities scampering for coal - India's dominant source of power generation - despite record supplies from state-run Coal India, a near-monopoly in coal production compared with an average of 66.5&nbsp;per cent during the whole of September, an analysis of data from federal grid regulator POSOCO showed.

Nearly three-fifths of India's coal-fired capacities currently have coal inventories that would last three days or less, federal power ministry data shows.

The average coal inventory held by power plants would last four days, two-thirds lower than an average of 12 days two months ago.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-india-poised-to-become-the-next-superpower-421146">Why is India poised to become the next superpower?</a>

The energy hungry nation's power minister had in early September asked officials to consider diverting coal to power plants with extremely depleted stocks, and reduce inventory targets to 10 days from 14 days, to allow coal to be moved to areas of greatest shortage.

A reallocation in coal supplies over the last two months has led to an increase in the number of power plants with 1-3 days of fuel, while the number of power plants with over a week of stock has declined, the power ministry data shows.

Still, the number of utilities with no coal left increased to 18 on October 12 from 1 on August 12.

India's electricity demand grew 4.9 per cent during the first half of October, with supply falling short of demand by 1.4 per cent despite a 3.2 per cent rise in coal-fired generation and 30 per cent rise in solar output, a Reuters analysis of government data showed.

India's electricity demand grew 4.9 per cent during the first half of October, with supply falling short of demand by 1.4 per cent despite a 3.2 per cent rise in coal-fired generation and 30 per cent rise in solar output, a Reuters analysis of government data showed. Increased economic activity after the second wave of the coronavirus has driven up electricity demand, resulting in a supply deficit due to a coal shortage that has forced northern states to cut power this month for up to 14 hours a day. Also Read | India set to achieve 450 GW renewable energy installed capacity by 2030: Centre The rapid surge in power demand and high global coal prices have left utilities scampering for coal - India's dominant source of power generation - despite record supplies from state-run Coal India, a near-monopoly in coal production compared with an average of 66.5 per cent during the whole of September, an analysis of data from federal grid regulator POSOCO showed. Nearly three-fifths of India's coal-fired capacities currently have coal inventories that would last three days or less, federal power ministry data shows. The average coal inventory held by power plants would last four days, two-thirds lower than an average of 12 days two months ago. Also Read | Why is India poised to become the next superpower? The energy hungry nation's power minister had in early September asked officials to consider diverting coal to power plants with extremely depleted stocks, and reduce inventory targets to 10 days from 14 days, to allow coal to be moved to areas of greatest shortage. A reallocation in coal supplies over the last two months has led to an increase in the number of power plants with 1-3 days of fuel, while the number of power plants with over a week of stock has declined, the power ministry data shows. Still, the number of utilities with no coal left increased to 18 on October 12 from 1 on August 12.

India's electricity demand picks up in October as coal shortage lingers

Centre is all geared up to meet the demand of coal by states and power companies and railways.&nbsp;The government is ramping up its per day coal production from 1.94 million to 2 million tonnes within a week.

Government sources told ANI that there is no shortage in the daily supply of coal to states and power companies and it is maintaining 5 days&nbsp;stock. In a month's time situation will be back to normal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-coal-prices-reach-an-all-time-high-power-outages-persist-420074">Chinese coal prices reach an all-time high, power outages persist&nbsp;</a>

There are multiple reasons for the current scenario. Government source told ANI, "Since January coal ministry has been writing to various states to pick up and stock coal in their respective states but no one paid heed. Coal India can stock up to a limit. If we stock more coal than the limit there is a risk of fire.

"Rajasthan, West Bengal, Jharkhand have their own mines but they did little to extract coal. It is learnt that despite clearances some of the state governments sat on decisions and gave COVID and rains as a reason for not doing enough mining.

Prolonged monsoon affected the mining and the shooting prices of imported coal also contributed to the current situation.

There is a 12 per cent fall in imports of foreign coal which power companies blend, to cut losses due to high prices they also shifted to domestic coal.States have huge pending dues of Coal India on them.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-coal-crisis-115-out-of-135-power-plants-face-shortage-420063">India's coal crisis: 115 out of 135 power plants face shortage</a>

It is learnt from sources that Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are big defaulters. All States have to dues of Rs 20,000 crores to be paid to Coal India.

Government sources said despite large sums of dues, supply continues and it will continue to provide power and coal supplies.

Electrification of villages and industrialisation has also shot up the demand. Government source told ANI that Delhi and Punjab shut coal plants like in Ropar and Bhatinda.

Centre is all geared up to meet the demand of coal by states and power companies and railways. The government is ramping up its per day coal production from 1.94 million to 2 million tonnes within a week.

Centre is all geared up to meet the demand of coal by states and power companies and railways. The government is ramping up its per day coal production from 1.94 million to 2 million tonnes within a week. Government sources told ANI that there is no shortage in the daily supply of coal to states and power companies and it is maintaining 5 days stock. In a month's time situation will be back to normal. Also Read | Chinese coal prices reach an all-time high, power outages persist There are multiple reasons for the current scenario. Government source told ANI, "Since January coal ministry has been writing to various states to pick up and stock coal in their respective states but no one paid heed. Coal India can stock up to a limit. If we stock more coal than the limit there is a risk of fire. "Rajasthan, West Bengal, Jharkhand have their own mines but they did little to extract coal. It is learnt that despite clearances some of the state governments sat on decisions and gave COVID and rains as a reason for not doing enough mining. Prolonged monsoon affected the mining and the shooting prices of imported coal also contributed to the current situation. There is a 12 per cent fall in imports of foreign coal which power companies blend, to cut losses due to high prices they also shifted to domestic coal.States have huge pending dues of Coal India on them. Also Read | India's coal crisis: 115 out of 135 power plants face shortage It is learnt from sources that Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are big defaulters. All States have to dues of Rs 20,000 crores to be paid to Coal India. Government sources said despite large sums of dues, supply continues and it will continue to provide power and coal supplies. Electrification of villages and industrialisation has also shot up the demand. Government source told ANI that Delhi and Punjab shut coal plants like in Ropar and Bhatinda.

India to increase coal production to two million tonnes per day in a week's time

India is on the verge of a power catastrophe, with coal supplies in power plants at an all-time low and states warning of power outages.

Across India, states have issued frantic warnings that coal supplies to thermal power plants, which convert heat from coal to electricity, are dangerously low.

According to statistics from the Central Electricity Authority of India, over 80% of the country's coal-fired facilities are in the critical, or "supercritical," stage, which means their supplies may run out in less than five days.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Should India Brace for Power Cuts?

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According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), 115 of India's 135 power plants are suffering an acute shortage of coal due to a rise in demand for the fuel.

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The CEA also mentions that power facilities around the country may run out of coal in the long run.

According to CEA's assessment, 115 power plants throughout the country are suffering an extreme shortage of coal, as the fuel supply is lower than typical, and 17 power plants don't even have enough coal to last a day.&nbsp; 
 
The electricity issue will almost certainly have an immediate impact on India's fledgling economic recovery, which is being led by industrial activity rather than services.&nbsp;

According to reports, India's Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh has warned that the energy supply crisis might last up to six months.

With the Christmas season in India beginning this month, when spending typically peaks, electricity demand might grow even more – a situation that could be worsened if worldwide demand for Indian goods rises significantly.

Coal India, for its part, has allegedly increased supply to compensate for some of the deficit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India is on the verge of a power catastrophe, with coal supplies in power plants at an all-time low and states warning of power outages. Across India, states have issued frantic warnings that coal supplies to thermal power plants, which convert heat from coal to electricity, are dangerously low.

India is on the verge of a power catastrophe, with coal supplies in power plants at an all-time low and states warning of power outages. Across India, states have issued frantic warnings that coal supplies to thermal power plants, which convert heat from coal to electricity, are dangerously low. According to statistics from the Central Electricity Authority of India, over 80% of the country's coal-fired facilities are in the critical, or "supercritical," stage, which means their supplies may run out in less than five days. Watch | Gravitas: Should India Brace for Power Cuts? According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), 115 of India's 135 power plants are suffering an acute shortage of coal due to a rise in demand for the fuel. Coal accounts for around 70% of India’s electricity generation. × The CEA also mentions that power facilities around the country may run out of coal in the long run. According to CEA's assessment, 115 power plants throughout the country are suffering an extreme shortage of coal, as the fuel supply is lower than typical, and 17 power plants don't even have enough coal to last a day. The electricity issue will almost certainly have an immediate impact on India's fledgling economic recovery, which is being led by industrial activity rather than services. According to reports, India's Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh has warned that the energy supply crisis might last up to six months. With the Christmas season in India beginning this month, when spending typically peaks, electricity demand might grow even more – a situation that could be worsened if worldwide demand for Indian goods rises significantly. Coal India, for its part, has allegedly increased supply to compensate for some of the deficit. (With inputs from agencies)

India's coal crisis: 115 out of 135 power plants face shortage

Chinese has reported nearly 2 million people affected by severe flooding in China's northern Shanxi province. Heavy rains have affected China's top coal producer.

Heavy rains trigger floods and landslides, affecting China's top coal producer

Chinese authorities have ordered dozens of coal mines to expand production amid a nationwide energy crunch, state media reported Friday.

Dozens of mines in China's Inner Mongolia, a major coal producing region, were instructed to increase their capacity by more than 98 million tonnes in an official notice not released to the public, the state-run Securities Times reported.

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Nearly 60 per cent of China's energy-hungry economy is fuelled by coal, and the country has struggled to wean itself from the fuel despite its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2060.

China has been hit by widespread power cuts that have forced factories to delay production as businesses are ordered to minimize energy usage.

Record coal prices, state electricity price controls and tough emissions targets have combined to squeeze the power supply, pushing over a dozen provinces and regions to announce curbs on energy usage in recent months.

The 72 mines in Inner Mongolia were asked to "accelerate the release" of production capacity, the official Securities Times said, citing the current supply crunch as a likely factor behind the order.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/electricity-crisis-chinese-switch-to-flashlights-generators-to-meet-emission-targets-ease-coal-shortages-416787">Electricity crisis: Chinese switch to flashlights, generators to meet emission targets &amp; ease coal shortages</a>

China's coal supply has been disrupted by the pandemic, under pressure from tough emissions targets and squeezed by a drop in coal imports exacerbated by a trade tiff with Australia.

Earlier this month, coal prices hit a record high.

Meanwhile China's power needs in the first half of the year exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Energy Administration, as demand for factory goods picked up with the rest of the world emerging from Covid lockdowns.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng had recently warned fuel companies to make sure there is enough fuel to keep the country running, according to Bloomberg News.

Chinese authorities have ordered dozens of coal mines to expand production amid a nationwide energy crunch, state media reported Friday. Dozens of mines in China's Inner Mongolia, a major coal producing region, were instructed to increase their capacity by more than 98 million tonnes in an official notice not released to the public, the state-run Securities Times reported.

Chinese authorities have ordered dozens of coal mines to expand production amid a nationwide energy crunch, state media reported Friday. Dozens of mines in China's Inner Mongolia, a major coal producing region, were instructed to increase their capacity by more than 98 million tonnes in an official notice not released to the public, the state-run Securities Times reported. Also Read | Power cuts in China force supplier’s factories, homes to stay in dark Nearly 60 per cent of China's energy-hungry economy is fuelled by coal, and the country has struggled to wean itself from the fuel despite its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2060. China has been hit by widespread power cuts that have forced factories to delay production as businesses are ordered to minimize energy usage. Record coal prices, state electricity price controls and tough emissions targets have combined to squeeze the power supply, pushing over a dozen provinces and regions to announce curbs on energy usage in recent months. The 72 mines in Inner Mongolia were asked to "accelerate the release" of production capacity, the official Securities Times said, citing the current supply crunch as a likely factor behind the order. Also Read | Electricity crisis: Chinese switch to flashlights, generators to meet emission targets & ease coal shortages China's coal supply has been disrupted by the pandemic, under pressure from tough emissions targets and squeezed by a drop in coal imports exacerbated by a trade tiff with Australia. Earlier this month, coal prices hit a record high. Meanwhile China's power needs in the first half of the year exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Energy Administration, as demand for factory goods picked up with the rest of the world emerging from Covid lockdowns. Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng had recently warned fuel companies to make sure there is enough fuel to keep the country running, according to Bloomberg News.

China orders mines to up coal production by nearly 100 million tonnes: State media

India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the country's power generation.

Growth in solar energy is critical this year as half of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days. India expects the coal shortage to last for up to six months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/despite-the-green-energy-push-oil-will-be-worlds-no-1-energy-source-opec-416913">Despite the green energy push, Oil will be world's No 1 energy source: OPEC</a>

State-run Coal India, which accounts for over 80&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of India`s coal output, saw production grow at the slowest rate in six months and supplies at the slowest rate in seven months during September as rain affected output in key mining regions.

Solar energy generation growth slowed to 24.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;year-on-year in September from 41 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;in August, an analysis of federal grid regulator POSOCO's daily load despatch data showed.

Other key sources of electricity generation also fell in September, the data showed, with hydro declining 5 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;and gas-fired power falling 31.6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;compared with the previous year.

A seasonal change in India's power consumption patterns could also increase stress on coal-fired utilities saddled with an acute shortage, and lead to power outages, analysts say.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-orders-energy-firms-to-secure-supplies-amid-power-crisis-report-417263">China orders energy firms to secure supplies amid power crisis: report</a>

"Renewable energy will not be available early in the day and immediately after sunset, when power demand generally peaks during winter in India," a Singapore-based power sector analyst said.

Victor Vanya, director at power analytics firm EMA Solutions, said higher humidity in the coming weeks could lead to a surge in power demand driven by higher air-conditioning requirements, and a rapid deterioration in coal stocks.

"If humidity remains high in the next 2 weeks, there is a highly probability for India to end up in a 'China-like scenario'," he told Reuters. Coal supply shortages in China have led to power restrictions in parts of the country.

However, CRISIL, a unit of ratings agency S&amp;P, forecast 15 per cent&nbsp;-16&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;growth in solar output during the six months ending March 2022 and a slowdown in overall power demand growth would ease constraints on India`s coal-fired power plants.

"This will further be supported by 5 per cent&nbsp;- 6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;and 3 per cent&nbsp;-4&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;growth in generation from nuclear and hydro sources," CRISIL told Reuters, adding that widespread outages were unlikely.

India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70 per cent of the country's power generation.

India's solar energy output growth slowed in September, a Reuters analysis of government data showed, at a time when coal-fired utilities are facing a shortage of a fuel that accounts for more than 70 per cent of the country's power generation. Growth in solar energy is critical this year as half of India's 135 coal-fired power plants have fuel stocks of less than three days. India expects the coal shortage to last for up to six months. Also Read | Despite the green energy push, Oil will be world's No 1 energy source: OPEC State-run Coal India, which accounts for over 80 per cent of India`s coal output, saw production grow at the slowest rate in six months and supplies at the slowest rate in seven months during September as rain affected output in key mining regions. Solar energy generation growth slowed to 24.7 per cent year-on-year in September from 41 per cent in August, an analysis of federal grid regulator POSOCO's daily load despatch data showed. Other key sources of electricity generation also fell in September, the data showed, with hydro declining 5 per cent and gas-fired power falling 31.6 per cent compared with the previous year. A seasonal change in India's power consumption patterns could also increase stress on coal-fired utilities saddled with an acute shortage, and lead to power outages, analysts say. Also Read | China orders energy firms to secure supplies amid power crisis: report "Renewable energy will not be available early in the day and immediately after sunset, when power demand generally peaks during winter in India," a Singapore-based power sector analyst said. Victor Vanya, director at power analytics firm EMA Solutions, said higher humidity in the coming weeks could lead to a surge in power demand driven by higher air-conditioning requirements, and a rapid deterioration in coal stocks. "If humidity remains high in the next 2 weeks, there is a highly probability for India to end up in a 'China-like scenario'," he told Reuters. Coal supply shortages in China have led to power restrictions in parts of the country. However, CRISIL, a unit of ratings agency S&P, forecast 15 per cent -16 per cent growth in solar output during the six months ending March 2022 and a slowdown in overall power demand growth would ease constraints on India`s coal-fired power plants. "This will further be supported by 5 per cent - 6 per cent and 3 per cent -4 per cent growth in generation from nuclear and hydro sources," CRISIL told Reuters, adding that widespread outages were unlikely.

India's solar energy output growth slows in September

People ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as cities across China enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas.

News reports blame high coal prices they say make power companies reluctant to meet booming demand, while economists say the real motive is political: Officials are under pressure to curtail energy use to meet official targets.

In Shenyang, the northeast's most populous city, restaurant owner Li Yufeng used a battery from an electric bicycle to run a pot for noodles after seeing a notice power would be switched off at 7:30 am. Li said he started work two hours early, at 6 am, to prepare chicken, sauces and other dishes. There are some impacts, but not a big impact,&nbsp;said Li as customers ate by smartphone lights.

Factories in China's busiest manufacturing provinces have been ordered to suspend production for up to a week, prompting concern global supplies of smartphones and other goods might be disrupted. Now, urban neighbourhoods are being blacked out, triggering pleas on social media for the government to solve the problem.

China's power consumption is growing at almost double its usual rate, while the ruling Communist Party is trying to reduce energy intensity, or the amount used per unit of economic output.

The power cuts come as global leaders prepare to attend a UN environmental conference by video link on October 12-13 in the southwestern city of Kunming. That increases pressure on President Xi Jinping's government, as the meeting's host, to show it is sticking to emissions and energy efficiency targets.

The cuts are largely driven by energy consumption control measures, with power shortages affecting another few provinces,&nbsp;Lara Dong of IHS Markit said in an e-mail.

This is in line with China's decarbonisation ambitions, she said.

Watch

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The Cabinet's planning agency warned in August that 20 regions had exceeded energy use and pollution targets after manufacturing rebounded from the pandemic. The government has ambitious plans to make the economy cleaner and more energy-efficient, so failing to meet those targets can be a career-ending blunder.

The power cuts could be more disruptive than previous shortages,&nbsp;Bank of America said in a report. Due to shortages in some areas, it said, "a relaxation of the government's energy consumption goals may not immediately alleviate the power crunch.

China is one of the world's biggest emitters of climate-changing industrial gases and consumes more energy per unit of economic output than developed countries. Given its huge population, on a per capita basis it ranks much lower.

China also is preparing for the Winter Olympics in the capital, Beijing, and the nearby city of Shijiazhuang in February, a period when it will want clear blue skies.

Officials in Jiangsu province, a manufacturing hub northwest of Shanghai, told state media some cities there have used up 90 per cent of this year's quota for power use. The officials of the provincial planning agency were cited as saying individual city governments had to decide how to meet their targets.

The government of Guangdong province, China's biggest manufacturing centre, has cited both official energy use limits and low water levels in hydropower reservoirs that provide a big share of its electricity.

In Liaoning province, where Shenyang is the capital, the government said in a statement Sunday that power demand hit a record high in the first eight months of the year. It said Liaoning has suffered shortages since then due to a decline in wind power and other sources.

The government of neighbouring Jilin province blamed a shortage of coal. It said in a statement Monday its governor would visit miners in nearby Inner Mongolia to line up additional supplies.

Some advance warnings of power cuts to residents in Shenyang and other cities cited a need to ration power but didn't say why. 
Li, the noodle restaurant owner, showed a reporter a notice circulated on social media that said power would be out in his neighbourhood from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. 
Shopkeeper Yang Chang had a generator running on the sidewalk to keep freezers full of meat cold.

As long as there is electricity we can sell things, unlike restaurants that need water, said Yang. Yang didn't know or care what the reason for the power outage was but said, it's understandable. I was born in the '90s. When I was little, electricity wasn't stable,&nbsp;said Yan. Although we are having difficulties, the government will find a solution. 
&nbsp;

People ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as cities across China enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas.

People ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as cities across China enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas. News reports blame high coal prices they say make power companies reluctant to meet booming demand, while economists say the real motive is political: Officials are under pressure to curtail energy use to meet official targets. In Shenyang, the northeast's most populous city, restaurant owner Li Yufeng used a battery from an electric bicycle to run a pot for noodles after seeing a notice power would be switched off at 7:30 am. Li said he started work two hours early, at 6 am, to prepare chicken, sauces and other dishes. There are some impacts, but not a big impact, said Li as customers ate by smartphone lights. Factories in China's busiest manufacturing provinces have been ordered to suspend production for up to a week, prompting concern global supplies of smartphones and other goods might be disrupted. Now, urban neighbourhoods are being blacked out, triggering pleas on social media for the government to solve the problem. China's power consumption is growing at almost double its usual rate, while the ruling Communist Party is trying to reduce energy intensity, or the amount used per unit of economic output. The power cuts come as global leaders prepare to attend a UN environmental conference by video link on October 12-13 in the southwestern city of Kunming. That increases pressure on President Xi Jinping's government, as the meeting's host, to show it is sticking to emissions and energy efficiency targets. The cuts are largely driven by energy consumption control measures, with power shortages affecting another few provinces, Lara Dong of IHS Markit said in an e-mail. This is in line with China's decarbonisation ambitions, she said. Watch The Cabinet's planning agency warned in August that 20 regions had exceeded energy use and pollution targets after manufacturing rebounded from the pandemic. The government has ambitious plans to make the economy cleaner and more energy-efficient, so failing to meet those targets can be a career-ending blunder. The power cuts could be more disruptive than previous shortages, Bank of America said in a report. Due to shortages in some areas, it said, "a relaxation of the government's energy consumption goals may not immediately alleviate the power crunch. China is one of the world's biggest emitters of climate-changing industrial gases and consumes more energy per unit of economic output than developed countries. Given its huge population, on a per capita basis it ranks much lower. China also is preparing for the Winter Olympics in the capital, Beijing, and the nearby city of Shijiazhuang in February, a period when it will want clear blue skies. Officials in Jiangsu province, a manufacturing hub northwest of Shanghai, told state media some cities there have used up 90 per cent of this year's quota for power use. The officials of the provincial planning agency were cited as saying individual city governments had to decide how to meet their targets. The government of Guangdong province, China's biggest manufacturing centre, has cited both official energy use limits and low water levels in hydropower reservoirs that provide a big share of its electricity. In Liaoning province, where Shenyang is the capital, the government said in a statement Sunday that power demand hit a record high in the first eight months of the year. It said Liaoning has suffered shortages since then due to a decline in wind power and other sources. The government of neighbouring Jilin province blamed a shortage of coal. It said in a statement Monday its governor would visit miners in nearby Inner Mongolia to line up additional supplies. Some advance warnings of power cuts to residents in Shenyang and other cities cited a need to ration power but didn't say why. Li, the noodle restaurant owner, showed a reporter a notice circulated on social media that said power would be out in his neighbourhood from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Shopkeeper Yang Chang had a generator running on the sidewalk to keep freezers full of meat cold. As long as there is electricity we can sell things, unlike restaurants that need water, said Yang. Yang didn't know or care what the reason for the power outage was but said, it's understandable. I was born in the '90s. When I was little, electricity wasn't stable, said Yan. Although we are having difficulties, the government will find a solution.

Electricity crisis: Chinese switch to flashlights, generators to meet emission targets & ease coal shortages

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to stop funding coal projects overseas as he announced ambitious goals at the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

"We need to improve the global environmental governance. We need to actively respond to climate change and create a community of life for man and nature," the Chinese president said.

However, President Xi provided no details on how the policy will be implemented.

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"We should focus on developing green and low carbon energy and we should not build new coal-fired power projects abroad," he said.

The move could significantly limit the financing of coal plants in the developing world. China is the world's largest consumer of coal and the world's biggest polluter.&nbsp;

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"China will strive to peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060," the Chinese president promised.

China had reportedly brought 38.4 gigawatts of new coal-fired power into operation last year which was over three times what was brought globally.

China's overall consumption of coal increased by 0.6 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier to around 4.04 billion tonnes.&nbsp;

Watch: Ebrahim Raisi slams the United States in maiden UNGA address&nbsp;

According to China's National Coal Association, the country's coal consumption is expected to rise in 2021 despite Beijing's previous pledges to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

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In a letter earlier this year, a coalition of non-governmental groups had said that the state-run Bank of China was the largest single financier of coal projects pumping $35 billion since the Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015.

President Xi's announcement came after South Korea and Japan made similar moves earlier this year.&nbsp;UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and US climate envoy John Kerry had urged China to follow the lead of its Asian counterparts.

The Chinese president also urged global cooperation to meet the challenges of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to stop funding coal projects overseas as he announced ambitious goals at the UN General Assembly. "We need to improve the global environmental governance.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to stop funding coal projects overseas as he announced ambitious goals at the UN General Assembly. "We need to improve the global environmental governance. We need to actively respond to climate change and create a community of life for man and nature," the Chinese president said. However, President Xi provided no details on how the policy will be implemented. Also Read: At UNGA, President Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy "We should focus on developing green and low carbon energy and we should not build new coal-fired power projects abroad," he said. The move could significantly limit the financing of coal plants in the developing world. China is the world's largest consumer of coal and the world's biggest polluter. Also Read: Taliban want to address UN General Assembly, appoint new envoy "China will strive to peak CO2 emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060," the Chinese president promised. China had reportedly brought 38.4 gigawatts of new coal-fired power into operation last year which was over three times what was brought globally. China's overall consumption of coal increased by 0.6 per cent in 2020 from a year earlier to around 4.04 billion tonnes. Watch: Ebrahim Raisi slams the United States in maiden UNGA address According to China's National Coal Association, the country's coal consumption is expected to rise in 2021 despite Beijing's previous pledges to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Also Read: On UNGA sidelines, Jaishankar discusses Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific In a letter earlier this year, a coalition of non-governmental groups had said that the state-run Bank of China was the largest single financier of coal projects pumping $35 billion since the Paris climate agreement was signed in 2015. President Xi's announcement came after South Korea and Japan made similar moves earlier this year. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and US climate envoy John Kerry had urged China to follow the lead of its Asian counterparts. The Chinese president also urged global cooperation to meet the challenges of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese President Xi vows to stop funding coal projects overseas at UNGA

Australia's government should increase its efforts to phase out coal or else climate change will dramatically damage the country's economy, Selwin Hart, the United Nations special adviser on climate change, said on Sunday.

Australia's reliance on coal-fired power makes it one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita, but its conservative government has steadfastly backed Australia's new deputy PM casts shadow over 2050 net zero emissions ambition fossil fuel industries, saying tougher action on emissions would cost jobs.

"We fully understand the role that coal and other fossil fuels have played in Australia's economy, even if mining accounts for a small fraction,&nbsp;around 2%,&nbsp;of overall jobs," Hart said in a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra.

"But it's essential to have a broader, more honest and rational conversation about what is in Australia's interests."

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The UN&nbsp;has called for phasing out coal by 2030 in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, which include Australia.

In July, energy and environment ministers from the Group of 20 big economies failed to deliver a deal to phase out coal by 2025. But some experts said there were chances of progress at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow in November.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australia is on a path to net zero carbon emissions but has stopped short of committing to a timeline. He has said that Australia would update its 2030 emissions projections going into the Glasgow talks.

Most other developed countries have signed up to a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Hart said that the Australian government should "seize the moment" and switch to renewables.

"If the world does not rapidly phase out coal, climate change will wreak havoc right across the Australian economy: from agriculture to tourism, and right across the services sector," he said.

Australia's government should increase its efforts to phase out coal or else climate change will dramatically damage the country's economy, Selwin Hart, the United Nations special adviser on climate change, said on Sunday.

Australia's government should increase its efforts to phase out coal or else climate change will dramatically damage the country's economy, Selwin Hart, the United Nations special adviser on climate change, said on Sunday. Australia's reliance on coal-fired power makes it one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita, but its conservative government has steadfastly backed Australia's new deputy PM casts shadow over 2050 net zero emissions ambition fossil fuel industries, saying tougher action on emissions would cost jobs. "We fully understand the role that coal and other fossil fuels have played in Australia's economy, even if mining accounts for a small fraction, around 2%, of overall jobs," Hart said in a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra. "But it's essential to have a broader, more honest and rational conversation about what is in Australia's interests." Also read | New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed The UN has called for phasing out coal by 2030 in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, which include Australia. In July, energy and environment ministers from the Group of 20 big economies failed to deliver a deal to phase out coal by 2025. But some experts said there were chances of progress at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow in November. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australia is on a path to net zero carbon emissions but has stopped short of committing to a timeline. He has said that Australia would update its 2030 emissions projections going into the Glasgow talks. Most other developed countries have signed up to a target of net zero emissions by 2050. Hart said that the Australian government should "seize the moment" and switch to renewables. "If the world does not rapidly phase out coal, climate change will wreak havoc right across the Australian economy: from agriculture to tourism, and right across the services sector," he said.

UN urges Australia to speed up efforts to drop coal

The United Kingdom will phase out coal-fired power by October 2024, a year ahead of schedule, as part of a campaign to encourage other countries to raise their climate ambitions ahead of a global warming summit it will host in November.&nbsp;

British Energy and Climate Change Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan made this announcement on Wednesday (June 30).

“Coal powered the industrial revolution 200 years ago, but now is the time for radical action to completely eliminate this dirty fuel from our energy system,” Anne-Marie Trevelyan said in a statement.

The move is part of the British government's ambitious plan to transition away from fossil fuels and decarbonise the power sector by 2050 in order to reduce climate change contributions.&nbsp;

This decision pushes the deadline for phasing out coal from the UK's energy system forward by a year, highlighting the UK's leadership in reducing emissions and leading by example in combating climate change ahead of hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) summit in Glasgow this November.&nbsp;

According to the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, coal accounted for only 1.8 per cent of the UK's electricity mix last year, with renewable such as wind and solar accounting for around 43 per cent.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has come a long way since the 1950s when a heavy layer of coal-fuelled smog blanketed London. Coal accounted for about 40% of the country's electricity generation just a decade ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom will phase out coal-fired power by October 2024, a year ahead of schedule, as part of a campaign to encourage other countries to raise their climate ambitions ahead of a global warming summit it will host in November.

The United Kingdom will phase out coal-fired power by October 2024, a year ahead of schedule, as part of a campaign to encourage other countries to raise their climate ambitions ahead of a global warming summit it will host in November. British Energy and Climate Change Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan made this announcement on Wednesday (June 30). “Coal powered the industrial revolution 200 years ago, but now is the time for radical action to completely eliminate this dirty fuel from our energy system,” Anne-Marie Trevelyan said in a statement. The move is part of the British government's ambitious plan to transition away from fossil fuels and decarbonise the power sector by 2050 in order to reduce climate change contributions. This decision pushes the deadline for phasing out coal from the UK's energy system forward by a year, highlighting the UK's leadership in reducing emissions and leading by example in combating climate change ahead of hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) summit in Glasgow this November. According to the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, coal accounted for only 1.8 per cent of the UK's electricity mix last year, with renewable such as wind and solar accounting for around 43 per cent. The United Kingdom has come a long way since the 1950s when a heavy layer of coal-fuelled smog blanketed London. Coal accounted for about 40% of the country's electricity generation just a decade ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain to stop using coal-fired power in just three years

With an aim to save the planet Earth for future generations, the world’s richest countries have decided to pull the plug on funding coal development projects overseas.

After two days of the G7 meeting of environment and energy ministers, hosted by the UK, all countries present in the meet have decided to end the financial support of coal development and have assured their commitment to limiting global heating to 1.5C.

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G7 members — namely the UK, US, France, Canada, Italy, Germany, and the EU — have come together to make sure there is no more funding for any such projects that can harm the environment for future generations.

Japan, however, has raised concerns about this change. The Japanese government believes if the country does not invest money in coal development, China will step in to build less-efficient and more harmful coal-fired power plants, which will be more harmful, Japan claims.

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"I will strongly recommend to the president that this is a policy that we should pursue … But I guarantee that we will be completely consistent with 1.5C. 1.5C governs the choices we have to make in the next 10 years. Any decision has to be within that framework," John Kerry, the US climate envoy said.

France has come out in support of the decision and hopes this will send out a message that coal is an energy 'of the past'.

"I am delighted that an agreement could be found regarding a key aspect of our G7 communique: the absolute end of new direct government support for international coal power generation. It gives a very strong signal to the world that coal is an energy of the past and has no place in our future energy mix. It sets the stage for a radical transition towards clean energy," Barbara Pompili, France’s environment minister said.

With an aim to save the planet Earth for future generations, the world’s richest countries have decided to pull the plug on funding coal development projects overseas.

With an aim to save the planet Earth for future generations, the world’s richest countries have decided to pull the plug on funding coal development projects overseas. After two days of the G7 meeting of environment and energy ministers, hosted by the UK, all countries present in the meet have decided to end the financial support of coal development and have assured their commitment to limiting global heating to 1.5C. Also read | Astrophysicists detect gamma rays from surprising cosmic sources G7 members — namely the UK, US, France, Canada, Italy, Germany, and the EU — have come together to make sure there is no more funding for any such projects that can harm the environment for future generations. Japan, however, has raised concerns about this change. The Japanese government believes if the country does not invest money in coal development, China will step in to build less-efficient and more harmful coal-fired power plants, which will be more harmful, Japan claims. Also read | Meet climate change's latest offering to Earth - 'Zombie wildfires' "I will strongly recommend to the president that this is a policy that we should pursue … But I guarantee that we will be completely consistent with 1.5C. 1.5C governs the choices we have to make in the next 10 years. Any decision has to be within that framework," John Kerry, the US climate envoy said. France has come out in support of the decision and hopes this will send out a message that coal is an energy 'of the past'. "I am delighted that an agreement could be found regarding a key aspect of our G7 communique: the absolute end of new direct government support for international coal power generation. It gives a very strong signal to the world that coal is an energy of the past and has no place in our future energy mix. It sets the stage for a radical transition towards clean energy," Barbara Pompili, France’s environment minister said.

Rich countries halt funding for coal production overseas

Seven miners were killed in a blast at a coal mine in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Monday night, the second such deadly incident in the region in a week.&nbsp;

A buildup of methane gas in the mine in the Torghar gas field in the district of Harnai caused an explosion as the workers were inside, Deputy Commissioner Sohail Anwar Hashmi said.&nbsp;

“Rescue teams recovered the bodies of all seven coal miners this morning, who burnt to death as a huge fire broke out in the mine after the blast,” Chief Inspector of Mines Shafqat Fayyaz said.&nbsp;

Fayyaz said the workers, who lost their lives, were working at a depth of about 1,500 feet when the explosion occurred, adding that mine has been closed and a probe has been ordered into the incident.&nbsp;

On March 12, eight miners were trapped around 1,000 feet below ground in a mine in the district of Marwar, near the border with Afghanistan, when a buildup of methane gas exploded. Six workers were killed and two others rescued.&nbsp;

Sparsely populated and impoverished Balochistan is home to large deposits of coal, natural gas, copper and gold, many of which are being extracted by Chinese-backed operations. Separatist militants often target workers and security forces.&nbsp;

In the past year, 102 coal miners have been killed in Balochistan in 72 different incidents, according to Sultan Muhammad Lala, president of the Balochistan Coal Mines Workers Federation.&nbsp;

Lacking proper safety measures in the mines, workers have repeatedly been killed in explosions caused by the accumulation of methane gas. At least 27 workers died in two separate incidents in Balochistan in 2018, and 45 were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in 2011 in the province.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Seven miners were killed in a blast at a coal mine in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Monday night, the second such deadly incident in the region in a week.

Seven miners were killed in a blast at a coal mine in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Monday night, the second such deadly incident in the region in a week. A buildup of methane gas in the mine in the Torghar gas field in the district of Harnai caused an explosion as the workers were inside, Deputy Commissioner Sohail Anwar Hashmi said. “Rescue teams recovered the bodies of all seven coal miners this morning, who burnt to death as a huge fire broke out in the mine after the blast,” Chief Inspector of Mines Shafqat Fayyaz said. Fayyaz said the workers, who lost their lives, were working at a depth of about 1,500 feet when the explosion occurred, adding that mine has been closed and a probe has been ordered into the incident. On March 12, eight miners were trapped around 1,000 feet below ground in a mine in the district of Marwar, near the border with Afghanistan, when a buildup of methane gas exploded. Six workers were killed and two others rescued. Sparsely populated and impoverished Balochistan is home to large deposits of coal, natural gas, copper and gold, many of which are being extracted by Chinese-backed operations. Separatist militants often target workers and security forces. In the past year, 102 coal miners have been killed in Balochistan in 72 different incidents, according to Sultan Muhammad Lala, president of the Balochistan Coal Mines Workers Federation. Lacking proper safety measures in the mines, workers have repeatedly been killed in explosions caused by the accumulation of methane gas. At least 27 workers died in two separate incidents in Balochistan in 2018, and 45 were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in 2011 in the province. (With inputs from agencies)

Seven coal miners killed in Pakistan in second incident in a week 

Hundreds of environmentalists marched to the western mine in Germany on Saturday to protest in and around the mine.

The protest was against coal mining that has been going on in Germany for years now. The agenda of the protest was to raise voice against the new orders allowing&nbsp;mining and burning of coal in the country until 2038.

These anti-coal protestors are urging to roll back the decision as the deadline of 2038, according to them, will be too late to save or reverse the damage caused.

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The protestors also raised slogans against planning of destruction of several villages to make way&nbsp;for the expansion of the Garzweiler strip mine, west of Cologne.

Environmentalists carried out these protests in the area, despite the heavy rainfall. SOme of the protestors were also detained by the local police.&nbsp;Utility company RWE reported that some protesters had also entered coal storage facilities.

The protest was attended by nearly 3,000 environmentalists who staged different strips of protest across the&nbsp;open-cast mine.

Meanwhile, on Saturday,&nbsp;German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a video message urging the Germans to pay more attention to stopping global warming through Germany's combined efforts.

Hundreds of environmentalists marched to the western mine in Germany on Saturday to protest in and around the mine. The protest was against coal mining that has been going on in Germany for years now.

Hundreds of environmentalists marched to the western mine in Germany on Saturday to protest in and around the mine. The protest was against coal mining that has been going on in Germany for years now. The agenda of the protest was to raise voice against the new orders allowing mining and burning of coal in the country until 2038. These anti-coal protestors are urging to roll back the decision as the deadline of 2038, according to them, will be too late to save or reverse the damage caused. Also read| Germany: 40 years after Oktoberfest attack, survivor's wounds still healing The protestors also raised slogans against planning of destruction of several villages to make way for the expansion of the Garzweiler strip mine, west of Cologne. Environmentalists carried out these protests in the area, despite the heavy rainfall. SOme of the protestors were also detained by the local police. Utility company RWE reported that some protesters had also entered coal storage facilities. The protest was attended by nearly 3,000 environmentalists who staged different strips of protest across the open-cast mine. Meanwhile, on Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a video message urging the Germans to pay more attention to stopping global warming through Germany's combined efforts.

Anti-coal environmentalists stage protests around western mine in Germany

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday.

A previous blueprint seen by Reuters stipulated that utilities would be forced to deactivate hard coal power plants by 2026 if not enough closures happen voluntarily.

The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close coal plants beginning next year.

The draft law could make the process more expensive if it requires the government to spend more on such incentives.

It calls for incentives to fall each year, a strategy designed to entice operators to close down coal plants early.

It is part of German plans to phase out coal by 2038 and will be put to a vote in the Bundestag lower house should the cabinet approve it next Monday.

It envisages that by 2022 an estimated 12 hard coal plants would be shut down, leaving about 30 feeding some 15 gigawatts (GW) into the grid.

Germany has more than 40 plants running either fully or partially on hard coal, according to the Federal Environment Agency.

The decision against forced closures looks set to allow utility Uniper&nbsp;to start commercial operations at its 1.5 billion euro Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant.

It had originally been recommended that the 1.1-gigawatt plant, which would add 100 million euros to Uniper's operating profit per year, never enter service.

Sascha Bibert, Uniper's finance chief, declined to comment on the draft law, saying he would wait for the official version.

The government has estimated the cost of shutting down hard coal plants at less than 1 billion euros.

Last month, measures it approved to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions were criticised by activists and industry groups as too weak to achieve Germany's goal of becoming emissions-neutral by 2050.

The government also wants to reach a deal with utilities on a timetable to shut down brown coal plants and agree on a framework for compensation.

Starting in 2020, the government each year will decide how many gigawatts of brown coal-produced energy should be removed from the grid and ask utilities to submit compensation estimates.

The cost of shutting brown coal plants is estimated at more than 2 billion euros.

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday.

The German government will not force hard coal power plants to close over the next seven years, a draft law expected to be approved by the cabinet next week showed on Tuesday. A previous blueprint seen by Reuters stipulated that utilities would be forced to deactivate hard coal power plants by 2026 if not enough closures happen voluntarily. The government plans to use a mixture of subsidies and tenders to encourage operators to close coal plants beginning next year. The draft law could make the process more expensive if it requires the government to spend more on such incentives. It calls for incentives to fall each year, a strategy designed to entice operators to close down coal plants early. It is part of German plans to phase out coal by 2038 and will be put to a vote in the Bundestag lower house should the cabinet approve it next Monday. It envisages that by 2022 an estimated 12 hard coal plants would be shut down, leaving about 30 feeding some 15 gigawatts (GW) into the grid. Germany has more than 40 plants running either fully or partially on hard coal, according to the Federal Environment Agency. The decision against forced closures looks set to allow utility Uniper to start commercial operations at its 1.5 billion euro Datteln 4 coal-fired power plant. It had originally been recommended that the 1.1-gigawatt plant, which would add 100 million euros to Uniper's operating profit per year, never enter service. Sascha Bibert, Uniper's finance chief, declined to comment on the draft law, saying he would wait for the official version. The government has estimated the cost of shutting down hard coal plants at less than 1 billion euros. Last month, measures it approved to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions were criticised by activists and industry groups as too weak to achieve Germany's goal of becoming emissions-neutral by 2050. The government also wants to reach a deal with utilities on a timetable to shut down brown coal plants and agree on a framework for compensation. Starting in 2020, the government each year will decide how many gigawatts of brown coal-produced energy should be removed from the grid and ask utilities to submit compensation estimates. The cost of shutting brown coal plants is estimated at more than 2 billion euros.

Germany will not force hard coal plant closures before 2026

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region.

The warning follows fresh research this week predicting that several Asian megacities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai, are at risk of extreme flooding linked to global warming.

Antonio Guterres said Asian countries need to cut reliance on coal to tackle the climate crisis, which he called the "defining issue of our time".

"There is an addiction to coal that we need to overcome because it remains a major threat in relation to climate change," he told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok on Saturday.

He said countries in the region need to be on "the front line" of the fight by introducing carbon pricing and reforming energy policies.

"We are lagging behind," he said, adding that the rollback of coal could help curb rising global temperatures.

Coal remains a major source of power across Southeast Asia, where breakneck economic development has spurred soaring energy demands -- but at a cost to the environment.

About one-third of Vietnam's energy comes from coal power with a slew of new plants set to come online by 2050, while Thailand is investing in fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Coastal areas across Southeast Asia have already seen major floods and seawater incursion linked to climate change.

New research this week showed that at least 300 million people worldwide are living in places at risk of inundation by 2050, a much bleaker picture than previous data predicted.

Destructive storm surges fuelled by increasingly powerful cyclones and rising seas will hit Asia hardest, according to the study in the journal Nature Communications.

The UN chief also spoke on Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, nearly three-quarters of a million of whom were driven into Bangladesh in 2017.

He urged Myanmar's government to "address the root causes of displacement and allowing of the return, voluntary and in safety and dignity" to Myanmar.&nbsp;

"Some steps have been done but they are too small. We need to do much more," he said.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also in Bangkok for the summit and is likely to face pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya, particularly from Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia.

Myanmar has rebuffed all international pressure so far while only hundreds of Rohingya have returned to Myanmar, due to fear of further repression.

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region.

The United Nations chief on Saturday warned Asia to quit its "addiction" to coal, as climate change threatens hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to rising sea levels across the region. The warning follows fresh research this week predicting that several Asian megacities, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai, are at risk of extreme flooding linked to global warming. Antonio Guterres said Asian countries need to cut reliance on coal to tackle the climate crisis, which he called the "defining issue of our time". "There is an addiction to coal that we need to overcome because it remains a major threat in relation to climate change," he told reporters ahead of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok on Saturday. He said countries in the region need to be on "the front line" of the fight by introducing carbon pricing and reforming energy policies. "We are lagging behind," he said, adding that the rollback of coal could help curb rising global temperatures. Coal remains a major source of power across Southeast Asia, where breakneck economic development has spurred soaring energy demands -- but at a cost to the environment. About one-third of Vietnam's energy comes from coal power with a slew of new plants set to come online by 2050, while Thailand is investing in fossil fuels. Coastal areas across Southeast Asia have already seen major floods and seawater incursion linked to climate change. New research this week showed that at least 300 million people worldwide are living in places at risk of inundation by 2050, a much bleaker picture than previous data predicted. Destructive storm surges fuelled by increasingly powerful cyclones and rising seas will hit Asia hardest, according to the study in the journal Nature Communications. The UN chief also spoke on Myanmar's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, nearly three-quarters of a million of whom were driven into Bangladesh in 2017. He urged Myanmar's government to "address the root causes of displacement and allowing of the return, voluntary and in safety and dignity" to Myanmar. "Some steps have been done but they are too small. We need to do much more," he said. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also in Bangkok for the summit and is likely to face pressure over her country's treatment of the Rohingya, particularly from Muslim-majority Malaysia and Indonesia. Myanmar has rebuffed all international pressure so far while only hundreds of Rohingya have returned to Myanmar, due to fear of further repression.

Asia must quit 'coal addiction': United Nations chief

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday.

India has struggled to boost its use of gas, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal and oil, because many industries and towns are not linked to the gas pipeline network.

Gas consumption growth was running at 11 per cent&nbsp;in 2010 but growth slid to just 2.5 per cent&nbsp;in the financial year 2018/19.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters at India Energy Forum by Ceraweek that companies were investing $60 billion in the network and building new gas import facilities to link all states by mid-2024 when the government's term ends.

"I am not talking about a potential investment. This number relates to the project that is under execution," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously set a target to more than double the share of gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent&nbsp;by 2030.

India's biggest gas utility Gail Ltd&nbsp;has said it was close to completing the 2,660 km&nbsp;Urja Ganga pipeline project, connecting the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The pipeline will have the capacity for 16 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) of gas.

"The Urja Ganga project ... will be ready by the end of 2020," Pradhan said on the conference sidelines.

India's overall gas consumption is about 166 mscmd.

The minister said the government had started building the northeast gas grid to connect eight states in northeastern India, a region bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. He said the grid would be ready by 2023.

He added that, before the end of the government's current term, "India will be connected by a pipeline ring that will help transport gas from any corner of India to a demand centre."

Most of India's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals are in the west, making it difficult for the industry in the east and elsewhere to secure regular gas supplies.

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday.

India, one of the world's largest consumers of oil and coal, is investing $60 billion to build a national gas grid and import terminals by 2024 in a bid to cut its carbon emissions, the oil minister said on Sunday. India has struggled to boost its use of gas, which produces less greenhouse gas emissions than coal and oil, because many industries and towns are not linked to the gas pipeline network. Gas consumption growth was running at 11 per cent in 2010 but growth slid to just 2.5 per cent in the financial year 2018/19. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters at India Energy Forum by Ceraweek that companies were investing $60 billion in the network and building new gas import facilities to link all states by mid-2024 when the government's term ends. "I am not talking about a potential investment. This number relates to the project that is under execution," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously set a target to more than double the share of gas in India's energy mix to 15 per cent by 2030. India's biggest gas utility Gail Ltd has said it was close to completing the 2,660 km Urja Ganga pipeline project, connecting the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The pipeline will have the capacity for 16 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) of gas. "The Urja Ganga project ... will be ready by the end of 2020," Pradhan said on the conference sidelines. India's overall gas consumption is about 166 mscmd. The minister said the government had started building the northeast gas grid to connect eight states in northeastern India, a region bordering Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China. He said the grid would be ready by 2023. He added that, before the end of the government's current term, "India will be connected by a pipeline ring that will help transport gas from any corner of India to a demand centre." Most of India's liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals are in the west, making it difficult for the industry in the east and elsewhere to secure regular gas supplies.

India investing $60 billion on gas grid to link up nation by 2024

Flooding at a key Coal India Ltd&nbsp;mine in Chhattisgarh will stop production there for at least 30 days, a senior Coal India Ltd official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Large parts of the Dipka mine, which has an annual production capacity of over 30 million tonnes and supplies utilities including NTPC Ltd's plant in Korba, are submerged after embankments of a nearby river broke due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-for-bihar-himachal-pradesh-252582">heavy rainfall</a>, the official said.

"This is a huge loss for us, and is a big setback to our production goals," the Coal India official said.

He declined to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media.&nbsp;

The flooding comes as Coal India said on Tuesday its output for the six months to end-September was down 6 per cent, with September production falling 23.5 per cent.

The state producer has targeted 660 million tonnes of coal output for the year to end-March 2020, up 8.7 per cent from 606.9 million tonnes it produced in 2018/19.

Coal accounts for about 75 pct of India's power generation, and India wants to arrest rising imports.

However, the government has failed to open the industry to competition, despite passing a liberalization policy 19 months ago.

Flooding at a key Coal India Ltd mine in Chhattisgarh will stop production there for at least 30 days, a senior Coal India Ltd official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Flooding at a key Coal India Ltd mine in Chhattisgarh will stop production there for at least 30 days, a senior Coal India Ltd official told Reuters on Wednesday. Large parts of the Dipka mine, which has an annual production capacity of over 30 million tonnes and supplies utilities including NTPC Ltd's plant in Korba, are submerged after embankments of a nearby river broke due to heavy rainfall, the official said. "This is a huge loss for us, and is a big setback to our production goals," the Coal India official said. He declined to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media. The flooding comes as Coal India said on Tuesday its output for the six months to end-September was down 6 per cent, with September production falling 23.5 per cent. The state producer has targeted 660 million tonnes of coal output for the year to end-March 2020, up 8.7 per cent from 606.9 million tonnes it produced in 2018/19. Coal accounts for about 75 pct of India's power generation, and India wants to arrest rising imports. However, the government has failed to open the industry to competition, despite passing a liberalization policy 19 months ago.

Coal India's 30 million tonnes Dipka mine to stop output for a month on flooding

Known for his corporate network developed during his days as an investment banker, BJP's go-to man Piyush Goyal has been given the charge of Railways, Commerce and Industry ministries in Modi's new cabinet. Goyal first made his mark in BJP as a treasurer and held portfolios in coal, power, railways and finance.

Piyush Goyal takes charge, Retains as Railways and Commerce Minister

The growth of eight core sectors improved marginally to 4.7 per cent in March 2019 against 4.5 per cent in the same month last year.

For the full 2018-19 fiscal, the expansion rate of eight infrastructure sectors - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity - remained flat at 4.3 per cent, official data released Tuesday showed.

Coal generation growth was flat at 9.1 per cent in March 2019. Natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel and cement sectors recorded positive growth rates.&nbsp;

Crude oil production, however, contracted by 6.2 per cent in March. Electricity generation declined by 1.4 per cent during the month under review.

A fall in production of crude oil and refinery products had dragged the growth of the eight core sectors to 2.1 per cent in February.&nbsp;

The infrastructure sector growth will also have an impact on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) as these segments account for about 41 per cent of the total factory output.

The growth of eight core sectors improved marginally to 4.7 per cent in March 2019 against 4.5 per cent in the same month last year. For the full 2018-19 fiscal, the expansion rate of eight infrastructure sectors - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity - remained flat at 4.

The growth of eight core sectors improved marginally to 4.7 per cent in March 2019 against 4.5 per cent in the same month last year. For the full 2018-19 fiscal, the expansion rate of eight infrastructure sectors - coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity - remained flat at 4.3 per cent, official data released Tuesday showed. Coal generation growth was flat at 9.1 per cent in March 2019. Natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel and cement sectors recorded positive growth rates. Crude oil production, however, contracted by 6.2 per cent in March. Electricity generation declined by 1.4 per cent during the month under review. A fall in production of crude oil and refinery products had dragged the growth of the eight core sectors to 2.1 per cent in February. The infrastructure sector growth will also have an impact on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) as these segments account for about 41 per cent of the total factory output.

Infrastructure sector growth improves to 4.7% in March

Bangladesh is seeking expressions of interest to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a company official and a document posted on the company's website.

The South Asian country, which has a population of more than 160 million is turning to land-based LNG terminals as its first imports of the super-chilled fuel through a floating platform were delayed due to the weather and technical issues.

Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, part of state-owned Petrobangla, which oversees LNG supplies, has requested interest from potential terminal developers for a land-based LNG regasification terminal at Matarbari in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh.

The expression of interest is for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of a land-based terminal that can handle 7.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, including receiving, unloading, storage and re-gasification facilities.

The project is on a build-own-operate basis for 20 years, with ownership then transferred to the Bangladeshi government or a company nominated by the government at no cost.

"A land-based LNG terminal is now our top priority," said Mohammad Quamruzzaman, managing director of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas.

The onshore terminal, which can be expanded to 15 million mtpa in the future, is part of Bangladesh's strategy to develop its gas sector with private companies, according to the document.

The project developer will be required to arrange the necessary financing, the document stated.

The developer will receive the LNG from the LNG ship as part of an agreement between Bangladesh and the LNG supplier, unload and store it, re-gasify it and supply the gas to the transmission pipeline.

The terminal is set to be completed by June 2023.

Companies should submit their expressions of interest by March 20, with the official documents expected to be issued to shortlisted applicants by Aug. 29.

Bangladesh began importing LNG from Qatar on a regular basis in last year through the country's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).

It has scrapped plans to build additional floating LNG import terminals after its second FSRU comes on line.

Bangladesh's LNG demand potential could support a terminal with that capacity, said senior analyst at consultancy FGE Poorna Rajendran.

"Declining domestic output amidst growing energy demand would leave LNG as a mainstay in its energy mix," he said.

"Coal's share will rise in the nation's energy mix but existing gas infrastructure and growing environmental and land acquisition concerns surrounding large coal plants would mean that coal's share will not grow substantially."

In such a scenario with LNG expected to be a long term solution, a land-based terminal with larger capacity would be more economical than a smaller FSRU which is typically best suited to meet short-term and mid-term demand, he added.

Bangladesh is seeking expressions of interest to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a company official and a document posted on the company's website.

Bangladesh is seeking expressions of interest to build the country's first onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, according to a company official and a document posted on the company's website. The South Asian country, which has a population of more than 160 million is turning to land-based LNG terminals as its first imports of the super-chilled fuel through a floating platform were delayed due to the weather and technical issues. Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co, part of state-owned Petrobangla, which oversees LNG supplies, has requested interest from potential terminal developers for a land-based LNG regasification terminal at Matarbari in the Cox's Bazar district of southern Bangladesh. The expression of interest is for the design, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of a land-based terminal that can handle 7.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG, including receiving, unloading, storage and re-gasification facilities. The project is on a build-own-operate basis for 20 years, with ownership then transferred to the Bangladeshi government or a company nominated by the government at no cost. "A land-based LNG terminal is now our top priority," said Mohammad Quamruzzaman, managing director of Rupantarita Prakritik Gas. The onshore terminal, which can be expanded to 15 million mtpa in the future, is part of Bangladesh's strategy to develop its gas sector with private companies, according to the document. The project developer will be required to arrange the necessary financing, the document stated. The developer will receive the LNG from the LNG ship as part of an agreement between Bangladesh and the LNG supplier, unload and store it, re-gasify it and supply the gas to the transmission pipeline. The terminal is set to be completed by June 2023. Companies should submit their expressions of interest by March 20, with the official documents expected to be issued to shortlisted applicants by Aug. 29. Bangladesh began importing LNG from Qatar on a regular basis in last year through the country's first floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). It has scrapped plans to build additional floating LNG import terminals after its second FSRU comes on line. Bangladesh's LNG demand potential could support a terminal with that capacity, said senior analyst at consultancy FGE Poorna Rajendran. "Declining domestic output amidst growing energy demand would leave LNG as a mainstay in its energy mix," he said. "Coal's share will rise in the nation's energy mix but existing gas infrastructure and growing environmental and land acquisition concerns surrounding large coal plants would mean that coal's share will not grow substantially." In such a scenario with LNG expected to be a long term solution, a land-based terminal with larger capacity would be more economical than a smaller FSRU which is typically best suited to meet short-term and mid-term demand, he added.

Bangladesh seeks developers for its first onshore LNG terminal

State-owned Coal India supplied 360 million tonnes (MT) coal to the power sector during April-December 2018, an increase of 7.9 per cent over the year-ago period, according to official data. Coal India Ltd (CIL) had dispatched 333.4 MT of dry fuel during the corresponding nine months of 2017. 
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The PSU giant’s coal supply in December 2018 was 1.9 per cent higher at 42.4 MT, over 41.6 MT in the corresponding month a year ago, the latest data by the coal ministry showed.

The supply of coal by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) increased by 3.3 per cent to 40 MT in the April-December period of 2018, against 38.7 MT in the same nine months of the previous year.

SCCL fuel supply in December rose by 2 per cent to 5 MT, compared to 4.9 MT in the corresponding month of 2017.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy last month met Coal Minister Piyush Goyal and demanded the Centre must ensure immediate supply of the fossil fuel to Raichur Thermal Power Station.

Earlier this month, Goyal had said the country faces no shortage of coal and production has witnessed an increase of 7.4 per cent in the April-December period of the ongoing fiscal. He, however, said that coal production did not go up in the past because of delays in environmental clearances, land acquisition and other problems.

Goyal said Coal India’s production increased by 104 MT in the last four years between 2014-15 and 2017-18.

State-owned Coal India supplied 360 million tonnes (MT) coal to the power sector during April-December 2018, an increase of 7.9 per cent over the year-ago period, according to official data.

State-owned Coal India supplied 360 million tonnes (MT) coal to the power sector during April-December 2018, an increase of 7.9 per cent over the year-ago period, according to official data. Coal India Ltd (CIL) had dispatched 333.4 MT of dry fuel during the corresponding nine months of 2017. Advertising The PSU giant’s coal supply in December 2018 was 1.9 per cent higher at 42.4 MT, over 41.6 MT in the corresponding month a year ago, the latest data by the coal ministry showed. The supply of coal by Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) increased by 3.3 per cent to 40 MT in the April-December period of 2018, against 38.7 MT in the same nine months of the previous year. SCCL fuel supply in December rose by 2 per cent to 5 MT, compared to 4.9 MT in the corresponding month of 2017. Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy last month met Coal Minister Piyush Goyal and demanded the Centre must ensure immediate supply of the fossil fuel to Raichur Thermal Power Station. Earlier this month, Goyal had said the country faces no shortage of coal and production has witnessed an increase of 7.4 per cent in the April-December period of the ongoing fiscal. He, however, said that coal production did not go up in the past because of delays in environmental clearances, land acquisition and other problems. Goyal said Coal India’s production increased by 104 MT in the last four years between 2014-15 and 2017-18.

Coal India’s supply to power sector up 8% at 360 million tonnes in Apr-Dec 2018

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel.

Commission sources told Reuters the body agreed a total of 40 billion euros ($45.65 billion) should be provided in aid for the states affected by the coal phase-out up to 2040, less than the roughly 60 billion euros that they had asked for.

Over the next four years, plant operators, including RWE and Uniper, will be asked to shut down about 12 gigawatts of capacity early in a first step, members of the commission told Reuters after more than 20 hours of discussions.

This equals about 24 large power station units.

The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy for how to abandon polluting coal stations in favour of renewables, which accounted for more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time.

It is the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukishima disaster in 2011.

Following months of negotiations, the proposals of the committee, also known as the coal commission, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned coal exit into law.

While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, commission sources said that the phase-out could already be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible.

Compensation for companies and consumers experiencing higher electricity prices resulting from the coal phase-out should be 2 billion euros per year, with the exact amount to be fixed in 2023, a text of the commission's recommendations seen by Reuters showed.

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel.

Germany should shut down its last coal-fired power plant by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said early on Saturday as part of a roadmap laying out an accelerated phase-out of the polluting fuel. Commission sources told Reuters the body agreed a total of 40 billion euros ($45.65 billion) should be provided in aid for the states affected by the coal phase-out up to 2040, less than the roughly 60 billion euros that they had asked for. Over the next four years, plant operators, including RWE and Uniper, will be asked to shut down about 12 gigawatts of capacity early in a first step, members of the commission told Reuters after more than 20 hours of discussions. This equals about 24 large power station units. The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy for how to abandon polluting coal stations in favour of renewables, which accounted for more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time. It is the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukishima disaster in 2011. Following months of negotiations, the proposals of the committee, also known as the coal commission, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned coal exit into law. While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, commission sources said that the phase-out could already be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible. Compensation for companies and consumers experiencing higher electricity prices resulting from the coal phase-out should be 2 billion euros per year, with the exact amount to be fixed in 2023, a text of the commission's recommendations seen by Reuters showed.

Germany should fully phase out coal by 2038: Commission

Germany&nbsp;should shut down all of its&nbsp;coal-fired power plants by&nbsp;2038&nbsp;at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the planned&nbsp;phase-out.

The commission's plans are at the centre of&nbsp;Germany's strategy to shift to renewables, which made up more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating&nbsp;coal&nbsp;for the first time.

The proposals of the&nbsp;coal&nbsp;commission, which were finalised after more than 20 hours of last-round talks, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned exit&nbsp;from&nbsp;coal&nbsp;into law.

The body agreed a total of at least 40 billion euros should be provided in aid for&nbsp;coal-mining states affected by the exit, less than the roughly 60 billion euros they had asked for.

"This plan will make it possible to achieve climate change goals set by the German government, but it will also, and this is important, achieve affordable and secure energy supplies if the German government implements our recommendations," said Barbara Praetorius, an environmental professor who served as one of the four leaders of the commission.

"A large majority of the population stands behind this exit&nbsp;from&nbsp;coal&nbsp;... but it must be reliable, affordable and acceptable for the regions."

In a first step, plant operators including RWE, Uniper, EnBW and Vattenfall will be asked to shut down about&nbsp;12.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2022, equivalent to about&nbsp;24 large power station units, the report, seen by Reuters, said.

Under the proposed plans,&nbsp;coal&nbsp;power capacity in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;would more than halve to 17 GW by 2030.

"The commission recommends a mutual agreement with the operators on a contractual basis with regard to the shutdown," the report said, adding this would include agreeing on the exact size of compensation.

COMPENSATION

Compensation payments should apply to plants in operation and those that have not yet entered service or are still being built, including Uniper's Datteln 4 plant, the report said.

Ways to determine compensation could include capacity tenders or keeping plants on standby, similar to existing reserve payments for operators that have totalled as much as 600 million euros per gigawatt in the past, it added.

In a blow to RWE,&nbsp;Germany's top electricity producer, the commission said preserving the Hambach forest was "desirable", hitting the group's key source of lignite where mining operations have already been halted following a court order.

The committee's proposals, if implemented, would be the second major intervention in&nbsp;Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch&nbsp;away&nbsp;from&nbsp;nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011.

While the&nbsp;2038&nbsp;exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, the report said there is a chance that the&nbsp;phase-out&nbsp;could be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible.

Compensation for companies and consumers paying more for electricity because of the&nbsp;phase-out&nbsp;should be 2 billion euros a year, with the exact amount to be set in 2023, the report said.

Stanislaw Tillich, the conservative former premier of the&nbsp;coal-producing Saxony region, said the accord would set an example for other regions in Europe, by ensuring they could develop new industries and jobs even as they&nbsp;phased&nbsp;coal&nbsp;out.

The next step will be for the German federal government and the 16 states to agree on how to share the cost of exiting&nbsp;from&nbsp;brown&nbsp;coal&nbsp;production. Tillich said it was imperative that all the states - not just those that now produce&nbsp;coal&nbsp;- share in the considerable burden of switching to cleaner energy.

Germany should shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.

Germany should shut down all of its coal-fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the planned phase-out. The commission's plans are at the centre of Germany's strategy to shift to renewables, which made up more than 40 per cent of the energy mix last year, beating coal for the first time. The proposals of the coal commission, which were finalised after more than 20 hours of last-round talks, will serve as a guideline for the government in its effort to turn the planned exit from coal into law. The body agreed a total of at least 40 billion euros should be provided in aid for coal-mining states affected by the exit, less than the roughly 60 billion euros they had asked for. "This plan will make it possible to achieve climate change goals set by the German government, but it will also, and this is important, achieve affordable and secure energy supplies if the German government implements our recommendations," said Barbara Praetorius, an environmental professor who served as one of the four leaders of the commission. "A large majority of the population stands behind this exit from coal ... but it must be reliable, affordable and acceptable for the regions." In a first step, plant operators including RWE, Uniper, EnBW and Vattenfall will be asked to shut down about 12.7 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2022, equivalent to about 24 large power station units, the report, seen by Reuters, said. Under the proposed plans, coal power capacity in Germany would more than halve to 17 GW by 2030. "The commission recommends a mutual agreement with the operators on a contractual basis with regard to the shutdown," the report said, adding this would include agreeing on the exact size of compensation. COMPENSATION Compensation payments should apply to plants in operation and those that have not yet entered service or are still being built, including Uniper's Datteln 4 plant, the report said. Ways to determine compensation could include capacity tenders or keeping plants on standby, similar to existing reserve payments for operators that have totalled as much as 600 million euros per gigawatt in the past, it added. In a blow to RWE, Germany's top electricity producer, the commission said preserving the Hambach forest was "desirable", hitting the group's key source of lignite where mining operations have already been halted following a court order. The committee's proposals, if implemented, would be the second major intervention in Germany's energy market within a decade after a landmark decision to shut down all nuclear power stations by 2022. The decision to switch away from nuclear was taken in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in 2011. While the 2038 exit date seems broadly in line with estimates, the report said there is a chance that the phase-out could be completed by 2035, adding it would be decided in 2032 whether this was feasible. Compensation for companies and consumers paying more for electricity because of the phase-out should be 2 billion euros a year, with the exact amount to be set in 2023, the report said. Stanislaw Tillich, the conservative former premier of the coal-producing Saxony region, said the accord would set an example for other regions in Europe, by ensuring they could develop new industries and jobs even as they phased coal out. The next step will be for the German federal government and the 16 states to agree on how to share the cost of exiting from brown coal production. Tillich said it was imperative that all the states - not just those that now produce coal - share in the considerable burden of switching to cleaner energy.

Germany to phase out coal mine by 2038 in move away from fossil fuels

Rescue workers were trying to reach 15 coal miners trapped underground for 13 days on Wednesday as families prayed for their safe return, but chances of survival looked slim after floodwaters rushed through the illegal "rat-hole" pit.

The 15 went to work at the mine in Meghalaya on December 13 and have been underground ever since.

"Only God's grace and some miracle can help them to be alive," Kyrmen Shylla, Meghalaya’s disaster management minister, told Reuters by telephone from capital Shillong.

The rescue operations were suspended on Sunday following flash floods from a nearby river, officials said.

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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team present at the coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills, where 13 workers are trapped since more than two weeks. Search and rescue operation still underway. <a href="https://t.co/exadYzfIAX">pic.twitter.com/exadYzfIAX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077890263366811650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A team of about 100 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) experts have been camping at the mine site but their operations have been hampered by lack of sophisticated equipment, S.K. Shastri, NDRF commandant leading the operations, said.

The mine is an old, illegal so-called rat-hole mine, common in Meghalaya but dangerous as the coal is pulled out from narrow, horizontal seams.

Workers, including children, descend hundreds of feet on bamboo ladders to dig out the coal, often leading to accidents at such mines.

Rescue workers were trying to reach 15 coal miners trapped underground for 13 days on Wednesday as families prayed for their safe return, but chances of survival looked slim after floodwaters rushed through the illegal "rat-hole" pit.

Rescue workers were trying to reach 15 coal miners trapped underground for 13 days on Wednesday as families prayed for their safe return, but chances of survival looked slim after floodwaters rushed through the illegal "rat-hole" pit. The 15 went to work at the mine in Meghalaya on December 13 and have been underground ever since. "Only God's grace and some miracle can help them to be alive," Kyrmen Shylla, Meghalaya’s disaster management minister, told Reuters by telephone from capital Shillong. The rescue operations were suspended on Sunday following flash floods from a nearby river, officials said. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team present at the coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills, where 13 workers are trapped since more than two weeks. Search and rescue operation still underway. pic.twitter.com/exadYzfIAX — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × A team of about 100 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) experts have been camping at the mine site but their operations have been hampered by lack of sophisticated equipment, S.K. Shastri, NDRF commandant leading the operations, said. The mine is an old, illegal so-called rat-hole mine, common in Meghalaya but dangerous as the coal is pulled out from narrow, horizontal seams. Workers, including children, descend hundreds of feet on bamboo ladders to dig out the coal, often leading to accidents at such mines.

Families seek miracle at Meghalaya mine where 15 trapped for nearly two weeks

India's coal import rose 9.7 per cent to 156.08 million tonnes (MT) in the April-November period of the ongoing fiscal, as against 142.25 MT in the corresponding months a year ago, according to Mjunction Services Ltd, a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL.

Coal imports in November this year also increased 10.1 per cent to 19.47 MT, over 17.68 MT in the corresponding month of the last fiscal, mjunction data showed.

"Imports during November 2018 stood at 19.47 MT (provisional)...Earlier, coal and coke imports in November 2017 stood at 17.68 MT," it said.

Of the total imports last month, import of non-coking coal was at 14.24 MT, against 15.23 MT imported in October 2018.&nbsp;

Commenting on the coal import trend, mjunction CEO Vinaya Varma said, "The significant correction in thermal coal prices in November prompted buyers to take a wait and watch approach. There, however, was a stable trend in met coal market and this was reflected in the buying pattern.?&nbsp;

The import of coking coal was at 3.93 MT in November 2018, almost flat against 3.94 MT imported a month ago.&nbsp;

"Metallurgical coke imports during the month were at 0.50 MT, while 0.53 MT was imported in the previous month," it said.

India's coal and coke import during November 2018 through 31 major and non-major ports is estimated to have decreased by 5.32 per cent over October 2018, according to a provisional compilation by mjunction, based on monitoring of vessels' positions and data received from shipping companies.

Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal output.&nbsp;

Coal India had earlier said there is a need to revisit the timeline of one billion tonnes of production target by state-owned CIL by&nbsp;2019-20.&nbsp;

India's coal import rose 9.7 per cent to 156.08 million tonnes (MT) in the April-November period of the ongoing fiscal, as against 142.25 MT in the corresponding months a year ago, according to Mjunction Services Ltd, a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL.

India's coal import rose 9.7 per cent to 156.08 million tonnes (MT) in the April-November period of the ongoing fiscal, as against 142.25 MT in the corresponding months a year ago, according to Mjunction Services Ltd, a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL. Coal imports in November this year also increased 10.1 per cent to 19.47 MT, over 17.68 MT in the corresponding month of the last fiscal, mjunction data showed. "Imports during November 2018 stood at 19.47 MT (provisional)...Earlier, coal and coke imports in November 2017 stood at 17.68 MT," it said. Of the total imports last month, import of non-coking coal was at 14.24 MT, against 15.23 MT imported in October 2018. Commenting on the coal import trend, mjunction CEO Vinaya Varma said, "The significant correction in thermal coal prices in November prompted buyers to take a wait and watch approach. There, however, was a stable trend in met coal market and this was reflected in the buying pattern.? The import of coking coal was at 3.93 MT in November 2018, almost flat against 3.94 MT imported a month ago. "Metallurgical coke imports during the month were at 0.50 MT, while 0.53 MT was imported in the previous month," it said. India's coal and coke import during November 2018 through 31 major and non-major ports is estimated to have decreased by 5.32 per cent over October 2018, according to a provisional compilation by mjunction, based on monitoring of vessels' positions and data received from shipping companies. Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of the domestic coal output. Coal India had earlier said there is a need to revisit the timeline of one billion tonnes of production target by state-owned CIL by 2019-20.

India's coal output up 10% to 156 MT during April-November

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