Government ensures adequate coal reserves ahead of monsoon

With the onset of monsoon looming, the coal ministry has taken proactive measures to guarantee ample reserves of coal at all thermal power plants, anticipating heightened electricity demand during this period.

During the monsoon season, coal availability often faces challenges due to adverse weather conditions.

Official sources revealed that recent discussions at a sub-group meeting with state power generating companies, conducted at the interministerial committee level of coal, power, and railways, indicated satisfactory coal stock levels across all thermal power plants nationwide.

Issues related to coal supply and logistics are regularly addressed and resolved through weekly sub-group meetings.

This year, coal production has shown a notable growth rate of 7.26 per cent compared to the previous year. Thermal power generation and rake supply have similarly increased by 8.78 per cent and 8.45 per cent, respectively.

The government has made comprehensive transportation arrangements to meet the heightened demand for coal, essential for increased thermal power generation.

As of May 15, 2024, the total coal stock at pit-heads and in transit to thermal power plants stands at 147 million tonnes (MT), marking a significant 25 per cent increase from the corresponding period last fiscal year, which recorded 117 MT.

Thermal power plants currently hold 45 MT of coal stock, reflecting a substantial 29 per cent rise from the stock levels of 34.83 MT observed at the same time last year.

Coal India Ltd (CIL), the major contributor to domestic coal production with over 80 per cent share, boasts a pithead stock of 85 MT, marking a 30 per cent increase compared to last year's figures.

The government's projections estimate a peak power demand of 260 GW for the summer period (April to June 2024), surpassing the previous all-time high of 243 GW recorded in September last year.

While CIL's production witnessed a commendable 10 per cent increase to 773.6 MT in FY24, it fell marginally short of the targeted production of 780 MT for the fiscal year. Notably, CIL's production in 2022-23 stood at 703.2 MT.

(With PTI inputs)