Infrastructure
Amidst India's Soaring Electricity Demand, 20 New Coal Mines To Start Operations This Year
A Coal India mine.
The energy-hungry India, could find some respite as 20 coal mines are expected to start operating by the end of this year, according to a report from The Hindu.
This assumes significance as the peak power demand in the country is expected to reach 260 GW this summer (April to June 2024). Peak power demand had touched an all-time high of 243 GW in September last year.
Despite the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs) remain essential, contributing to 74.3 per cent of India’s electricity in FY 2022-2023.
The move comes as several states grapple with frequent power outages, particularly during peak summer months, highlighting the urgency of addressing coal shortages in thermal power stations.
According to the report, these 20 coal blocks, comprising seven from state-owned Coal India and three from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), are projected to add an additional 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal production within the next three to four years.
Ninety-six percent of the coal used by TPPs in India comes from domestic mines and is crucial in maintaining the affordability of electricity in the country.
In a significant achievement, India surpassed the milestone of producing one billion tonnes of coal and lignite in the fiscal year 2023-24, said Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi.
A further increase in domestic coal production will help eliminate coal imports by 2025-26.
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