The Macrobusiness.com.au article from February 17, 2026, titled "India doubles down on coal generation," underscores a blunt reality in global energy trends: despite international climate pledges, major developing economies like India (and China) continue to prioritise rapid economic growth and reliable power over aggressive decarbonisation timelines. The piece, written by Leith van Onselen, highlights India's heavy reliance on coal — accounting for 73% of energy production in 2024-25 — and cites a NITI Aayog government report projecting sharp increases in coal demand even under net-zero pathways. Key data from the report: Current coal consumption: ~1.256 billion tons (2025 baseline). Under current policies: Could more than double to 2.615 billion tons by 2050. Even in the net-zero-by-2070 scenario: Rises to 1.827 billion tons by 2050 before eventual decline. The article contrasts this with developed nations phasing out coal, arguing that India's strategy is pragmatic for energy security, affordability, and lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty.
It notes India produces more than twice Australia's coal output and imports heavily (including from Australia), while China added massive coal capacity in 2025 (78 GW commissioned, per related reports). One issue climate change activists never address is that India and China are putting development over climate ideology. The Left often responds by saying "developing countries get a pass" (China is frequently no longer classified as developing in this context), but if the planet truly faces an existential crisis, that carve-out should count for nothing. Yet this reality is largely ignored by many Western activists, media, and policymakers — undermining the urgency and universality of the left's supposive climate narrative. Why India and China Prioritise Development Over Strict Climate Ideology Both nations view reliable, affordable energy as non-negotiable for industrialisation, urbanisation, poverty reduction, and national security. India: Population ~1.4 billion, still adding millions to the grid annually. Electricity demand surging with manufacturing push (Make in India), EVs, data centers, air conditioning in a warming climate, and rural electrification. Coal provides baseload power: dispatchable, domestic (mostly), and cheap compared to alternatives at scale.
Renewables (solar/wind) are scaling fast — India targets 500 GW non-fossil by 2030 — but intermittency requires backup. Recent data shows coal additions planned to reach ~307 GW capacity by 2034-35, with projections of more coal use through mid-century even as renewables grow. Recent trends: Coal generation dipped slightly in 2025 due to strong renewables, but 2026 forecasts suggest rebound with demand growth; emissions may rise modestly. China: World's largest emitter, but also largest installer of renewables. 2025 saw record coal additions: 78 GW commissioned (more than India's decade-long net additions), proposals surged to 161 GW (record high), pipeline ~291 GW. Reasons: Energy security after 2021 shortages, heavy industry (steel, cement), grid stability amid massive demand, and local economic interests (jobs, provincial growth). Clean energy boomed too — solar/wind/storage — but coal remains the backbone, with overcapacity pushing down utilisation rates. Both have long-term net-zero goals (India 2070, China 2060), but short- to medium-term plans heavily feature coal to avoid blackouts, industrial slowdowns, or energy poverty. How This Undermines the Climate Narrative The dominant Western climate discourse often presents global warming as an all-hands-on-deck emergency requiring immediate, economy-wide sacrifice from everyone. Yet: Developing giants emit more annually than most developed nations combined and are on track to dominate future emissions growth. Activists frequently invoke "historical responsibility" (rich nations emitted first) or "common but differentiated responsibilities" (Paris Agreement principle) to excuse slower transitions in the Global South. This creates a perceived double standard: Australia/EU/US face strident calls to shut coal plants, ban gas, impose carbon taxes — while India/China build dozens of new coal units yearly with minimal international pushback.
Even if climate science is correct and tipping points loom, excusing ~40%+ of current emissions (China + India) based on development status weakens the case for urgency. It suggests the crisis is serious... but not that serious for some players. Politically, it fuels scepticism in the West: Why impose painful net-zero policies at home if the biggest emitters keep ramping fossil fuels? The coal reality exposes a gap: ideology vs. pragmatism. Western activists rarely confront it head-on, often pivoting to "finance transfers" or "loss and damage" funds instead of pressuring peers to accelerate coal phase-down. In short, India and China's coal doubling-down isn't hypocrisy — it's rational self-interest in a world where energy = power (economic and geopolitical). Ignoring or excusing it doesn't make the climate narrative stronger; it makes it less credible and more selective. The global rush for decarbonisation must then be seen as an attempt to deindustrialise the West.
https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2026/02/india-doubles-down-on-coal-generation/