Adequate availability of coal to meet increasing power demand: Coal Ministry

New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal on Tuesday said that there is adequate availability of coal to meet the increasing power demand.

In an official statement the Coal Ministry said, "The efficient coal supply to the TPPs, has ensured robust coal stock position at various pitheads. This indicates both sufficient coal stock and the efficiency of the coal supply chain in ensuring seamless distribution across the country."

As per the Ministry, during the period from April 2023 - August 2023, the thermal power generation has been increased by 6.58 percent to 517.34 billion units (BU) compared to 485.42 BU during the corresponding period of the previous year.

Coal Dispatch to the Power Sector

In terms of coal dispatch to the power sector, the cumulative achievement for FY’2023-24 from April 2023 to August 2023, amounted to 324.50 MT, marking a noteworthy growth of 5.80 percent compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, which stood at 306.70 MT.

Overall Coal Stock Position

The overall coal stock position, i.e., at mines, thermal power plants (DCB), transit etc., as on August 31, 2023, reached a commendable 86.00 MT compared to the stock of 68.76 MT on August 31, 2022, with the growth of 25.08 percent. Additionally, the pithead coal stock at Coal India Limited (CIL) as of August 31, 2023, stands at 45.33 MT, demonstrating a notable growth of 45.66 percent compared to the coal stock of 31.12 MT on August 31, 2022.

There has been a significant 53.13 percent decline in the import of thermal coal for DCB (TPPs) (For blending) from 19.2 MT (Apr-Aug 2022) to 9.0 MT (Apr-Aug 2023), the Ministry informed.

"The Ministry of Coal is firmly committed to fostering sustainable growth through meticulous strategic planning and efficient execution. In concerted effort to reduce India's dependence on imported high-capacity mining equipment and bolster domestic production, the Ministry is actively promoting the development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) within the coal mining sector. These endeavors align perfectly with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing the 'Make in India' initiative for the coal mining sector," it added.

Further, the consistent availability of Coal Rakes, which are pivotal for the transportation of Coal, ensures a seamless evacuation process, effectively mitigating transportation bottlenecks and assuring an uninterrupted coal supply. To further augment Coal production, Ministry of Coal is proactively establishing new mines, Expediting Environmental Clearances (ECFC), and embracing advanced mechanized HEMM.

"The Ministry of Coal maintains a continuous and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of all operations, thus making a substantial contribution to this growth. Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in commitment to providing a reliable and uninterrupted power supply by embracing technological advancements, paving the way for an Atmanirbhar Bharat," the Ministry further added.

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