Lessons from the 2021 Indian Coal Shortage & Power Crisis

Shortage of Coal led to a power crisis, first in Europe, then in China, and later in India. Quick recovery of economies from COVID pandemic lockdowns and resumption of industrial activity, higher temperatures leadings to increase power usage at night, global increase in coal prices have led to a surprise shortfall in coal mining activity. While the event got averted because of the quick intervention of the authorities, it highlighted the need for quick reforms in the sector and an increasing need to increase renewable energy usage manifold. Inferences drawn from this research can help various stakeholders in energy management (such as power generation companies, coal mining companies), policymakers (such as power regulators), the Government in better handling crisis-like situations that would come in the future