The use of wood for electricity generation and heat in modern (non-traditional) technologies has grown rapidly in recent years. For its supporters, it represents a relatively cheap and flexible way of supplying renewable energy, with benefits to the global climate and to forest industries.

This new study by the Conservation Action Trust, Urban Emissions and Greenpeace India warns that air pollution in India from coal-fired power plants is causing 80-115,000 premature deaths every year.