Navigating India's energy transition: A systematic literature review of risks in the coal phase-down process

The imperative to mitigate climate change has become a global priority, with the Paris Agreement setting ambitious goals to limit global temperature rise. India, as a significant coal consumer and producer, faces unique challenges in aligning its energy policies with these global commitments. Recognizing the necessity for a thorough understanding of the implications of coal phase-down, this study undertakes a comprehensive systematic literature review of recent studies related to energy transition and coal phase-down in India. Our review specifically aims to identify the range of risks posed by reducing coal dependency in India's energy mix, an aspect critically underrepresented in existing research. The analysis uncovers six primary risks: threats to energy security, creation of stranded assets, loss of livelihoods, technological complexities of transitioning to low-carbon technologies, increase in import dependency, and significant financial losses to the government's exchequer. By employing systematic literature review methodologies, this research provides an unbiased examination of the academic and policy literature, highlighting the lack of prioritized or ranked assessments of these risks in existing studies. The findings extend beyond academic interest, offering crucial insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and the energy sector, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by coal phase-down. This contribution is essential for leaping towards a just energy transition and sustainability as both are symbiotically related to each other.