All measures being taken to boost coal production in next season: Coal Secretary

New Delhi:  The power sector has been supplied more coal than the committed quantity and all-possible measures have been taken to augment the production of dry fuel in the next season also, said a top official on Thursday. Coal Secretary Amrit Lal Meena said that the coal ministry has plans to supply more dry fuel to the power sector by March 31 and stressed that all coal companies are producing generally more than their targets.

"Wherever there are issues in terms of land availability, forest clearances, logistics, we are having meetings with all stakeholders," he explained.

'Power ministry has asked gencos to ensure the timely import of coal'

On the recent directive of the power ministry to the generating companies to import coal, said the secretary that it is a precautionary measure. The power ministry has asked gencos to ensure the timely import of coal as it anticipates a supply shortfall of 24 million tonnes in dry fuel during April-September 2023.

"In power generation, the growth is more than 10 percent from April to December and in the thermal segment, it is 11.4 percent. Though, our coal production is also 15-16 percent since the requirement of power has gone up much beyond what was expected therefore as a matter of abundance caution government has taken this precautionary measure," he explained.

Govt asks power producers to ensure timely import of coal

'Power ministry has asked gencos to use imported coal to the extent of 6% of their requirements'

The power ministry has asked gencos to use imported coal to the extent of six percent of their requirements.

"Power minister has set a target that we should try and see that about 45 million tonnes should be the closing stock at the thermal power end by the end of this 31 March. Though efforts are on since consumption has gone up because of the factors you are aware of, so our endeavour is to achieve the target set up by the minister but this has posed a challenge," he explained.

The minister has also desired that by the end of March 31, 2023, the coal companies should have 65 million tonnes at its pithead, he added.

"Having gone by the experience of April, May, June and the monsoons of last year, it is appropriate for the country that we keep a little higher stock so that in case of eventuality because of heavy rains if there is diminishing production we have adequate stock," said Meena.

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