Coal stocks: According to data from the coal ministry, the nation’s thermal power plants have over 45 million tonnes (mt) of coal in store as of June 16. This represents a rise of 31.7% over the 34.25 mt during the same period last year. In light of the sharp increase in peak demand brought on by heatwaves, this will enable the power plants to run at high PLF. Coal stocks at thermal plants rose 32% year-over-year
Coal stocks, The increase in coal output and dispatches from both public and private businesses is responsible for the improvement.
Thermal power plants’ coal reserves are at their maximum point right now. The need for coal-based power has increased by 7.3% in the current fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal, making sufficient coal inventories essential.
As of June 16, the nation’s coal production was 207.48 million tonnes, up 9.27% from 189.87 million tonnes during the same period the previous year. 160.25% more coal was produced overall by Coal India than the previous year, with a rise of 7.28%, while 33 million more tonnes were produced by commercial and captive mines, a 27% increase over the previous fiscal year.
A total of 220.31 million tons of coal were sent by the nation’s coal mining enterprises to the power and other industries. The amount of coal despatched during the same period of previous year was 204.65 million tonnes, a 7.65% increase.
According to the government, the increase in coal exports can be ascribed to effective logistical arrangements, such as first-mile connection projects and coal logistics plans that guarantee a steady and sufficient supply of coal. According to an official source who spoke with FE, the ministry plans to start 17 first-mile connectivity projects this fiscal year in an effort to enhance coal evacuation even more.
According to official data, the nation’s total coal stock (at mines, transit, and power plants) is over 144.68 million tonnes, guaranteeing a sufficient supply of coal for the power industry.
The government stated that the Sub-Group, which is made up of representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, and enterprises that generate electricity, has been essential in preserving an effective supply chain.
As a result of an increase in coal production, rake availability has also increased this fiscal year at an average rate of 10%, with 428.40 rakes delivered daily as of June 16. Since the implementation of the coal logistic policy, there has also been a notable increase in the evacuation of coal by coastal ships.
The government stated, “Historically, coal was only transported via the port in Paradip. However, as per the coal logistics policy, coal is now also being evacuated through the ports in Dhamra and Gangavaram, provided that proper coordination is followed.” “The movement of rakes from Son Nagar to Dadri has been significantly improved by the railway network’s infrastructure augmentation, resulting in a turnaround time improvement of more than 100%.”
This development coincides with the growing demand for electricity, which peaked on May 30 at 250 GW. The peak electricity consumption for this year is expected to reach 260 GW, according to government estimates, compared to the 243.3 GW peak recorded in September of previous year.
The power industry has requested 874 million tons of coal from the coal ministry for FY25 in order to supply its thermal power plants and fulfill the growing demand for electricity. The electricity industry used 821 million tons of coal in FY24. In the first quarter of the current financial year, Coal India aims to supply 171.4 million tonnes of coal to the power industry, up 11% from the 153.4 million tonnes supplied in Q1FY24, according to a senior company official.
The government estimates that the need for coal from the power industry will increase to 1.16 billion tons by 2030, a 46.3% increase from current levels, as it prepares to add 80 GW of new thermal generating capacity in response to the increased demand for electricity. In order to meet the peak demand by 2047, 1.7 billion tonnes of coal will be needed just in the electricity and other unregulated sectors.
From 997.4 million tonnes produced in FY24 to 1.08 billion tons in the current fiscal year, the administration is now optimistic about production.
