Coal India steps up output, supplies to power plants as rains subside
Despatches from Coal India's mines to the power sector rose 27% to 1.74 million tonnes on 8 September, from an average of 1.37 million tonnes a day during the first three days of the month, the state-run miner said.
Coal India Ltd (CIL) reported a significant rise in coal production for the period ending September 8th, with a 40% increase compared to the first three days of the month. Subsidiary Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) drove this surge, with a 67% increase in output. Dispatches of coal to the power sector saw a 27% rise, reaching 1.74 million tonnes on September 8th from an average of 1.37 million tonnes during the initial days of the month.
This boost comes as 58 thermal plants faced critical low coal inventories, potentially impacting electricity generation. NCL's output in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, previously hampered by heavy rains, improved as the monsoon subsided. So far this financial year, NCL's total coal production reached 51.43 million tonnes, and its supplies amounted to 55 million tonnes by September 8th, marking a notable recovery from previous operational challenges.
As the rains recede, NCL is intensifying efforts to maximize production and improve coal supplies, aiming for pre-monsoon levels. Meanwhile, Union minister for coal G. Kishan Reddy stated that over 123 million tonnes of coal were available across mines, in transit, and at thermal plants, sufficient to meet electricity demand for 51 days.
Reddy's remarks came amid concerns over thermal plants operating with critically low coal stocks, raising fears of power shortages. The power deficit in India remained high due to weak monsoon and El Nino conditions, with shortages particularly noticeable in northern and western regions.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
