RE "versus" coal in India – A false framing as both have a role to play
Tongia, Rahul | October 2018
Abstract
A number of publications proclaim Renewable Energy (RE) is cheaper than coal. A newspaper will often show two cost curves, a rising one for coal, and a falling one for RE, especially solar (Figure 1). At some point they cross-over, an intersection dubbed “grid parity”. It’s a separate question whether this has already occurred, or is imminent. This framing falls short of capturing crucial aspects at play — it is unlikely there is a simple crossover after which coal goes away. The reality is one that needs to factor in time of day, location, and share of RE, even before considering additional issues of contracting, technical constraints such as ramping capabilities, and frameworks for who will pay for the transition. A simple claim that RE is already cheaper masks system-level costs as well as disproportional impact on selected states, generators, and stakeholders. This paper presents an alternative comparison model for RE and coal, and suggests a portfolio approach, with both playing a role in the near future, will lead to superior planning.
Citation
Tongia, Rahul. 2018. RE "versus" coal in India – A false framing as both have a role to play. © Brookings India. http://hdl.handle.net/11540/9683.Keywords
Alternative energy
Alternative energy development
Commercial Energy
Energy Economics
Energy Technology
Household Energy Consumption
Industrial Energy Consumption
Primary Energy
Results-Based Monitoring And Evaluation
Project Evaluation & Review Technique
Evaluation Techniques
Evaluation Methods
Evaluation Criteria
Alternative energy program
Alternative energy technology
Domestic Energy
Energy Demand
Energy Prices
Energy Pricing Policy
Energy Supply
Nuclear
Primary Energy Supply
Development Indicators
Social Participation
Low Income Groups
Income Generation
Newly Industrializing Countries
Input output analysis
Cost benefit analysis
Needs assessment
Economic evaluation
Energy Industries
Energy planning
Alternative energy technology
Project impact
Program management
Project appraisal
Green technology
Electric power
Energy development
Power supply
Electric power consumption
Price
Consumer
Consumption
Supply and demand
Electric power plant
Power
Renewable energy source
Renewable energy resource
Energy conservation
Energy policy
Participatory monitoring and evaluation
Participative management
Energy consumption
Risk assessment
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