The correct option is Thermal power.
Explanation
Coal is the backbone of India's energy sector, serving as the primary fuel source for commercial energy requirements. The consumption of coal is categorized into power (utilities and captive) and non-power sectors (steel, cement, fertilizer, etc.).
Sectoral Analysis
- Thermal Power: The power sector is the dominant consumer of coal in India. It accounts for approximately 75% to 80% of the total coal consumption in the country. Most of India's thermal power plants rely on non-coking coal to generate electricity.
- Steel: The iron and steel industry is the second-largest consumer but lags significantly behind the power sector. It primarily requires coking coal, much of which is imported due to the limited availability of high-grade coking coal in India.
- Cement: The cement industry is a significant consumer but utilizes a much smaller share compared to the power sector.
- Fertilizer: The fertilizer sector consumes a negligible amount of coal compared to power and steel, as it largely relies on natural gas and naphtha as feedstock.
Key Takeaway
Thermal Power Plants are the largest consumers of coal in India, utilizing the vast majority of domestic production and imports to sustain the national electricity grid.