Powering India is a tough renewables act

GROWING optimism about the Indian economy has reinforced the case for seamless power flow. And the government hopes to ensure it by turning the country into a surplus producer by early next decade.

That goal is clearly too ambitious. Moreover, unlike developed countries, India must pull off this feat while limiting its carbon footprint. The fuel choice is thus critical as the installed capacity jumps from 260 gigawatts (GW).

Yet, India can hardly ignore its coal riches. …