The closure of its last coal-based power plant marked the end of 142 years of coal-generated electricity, which formed 40% of its electricity needs in 2012. 

• The world’s first coal plant opened in London (UK) in 1882 whereas India installed its first major thermal power plant, the Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station in Hyderabad in 1920.

Need for closing coal-based electricity production

• Pollution: Energy sector contributes to around three‐quarters of greenhouse gas emissions (IEA). 
• Limitation of existing commitments: As per IEA, even with the full achievement of existing pledges, it would be difficult to achieve the Paris Commitment (limiting temperature rise to 1.5 °C).
• Feasibility of Renewable Technologies:  They are now sufficiently scalable with fast-growing investments in Research, Energy storage technologies, etc.

Constraint in closing coal-based power plants

• Reliance on Coal: Low and Middle Income and Fast growing Countries like India and China rely heavily on coal to meet energy and employment needs. 
• Economic Impact: The fleet of coal-fired power plants in countries like China and India is relatively new, hence shifting would cause financial loss. 
• Issues with renewable energy: Like intermittency; capital cost; lack of policy clarity, etc.