Union Coal Minister assures enough coal stock for power plants
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has assured that there is no need to worry about the coal stocks for power plants. He added that India has 123 million tonnes of coal available which is (sufficient) for 51 days (reserve) in the country. However, he admitted that there were issues related to coal production due to weather conditions (monsoon) for around ten days, but now there is no problem.
Meanwhile, he said that the production of coal has increased with a reduction in rains in the country and coal production can be increased further if the weather continues to be favourable. Further, India has witnessed 4.5% year-on-year growth in dry fuel production. He also added that the coal companies have 100 million tonnes of coal in transit, and power companies have 23 days of coal stock.
On coal gasification scheme, he said that the government has received seven applications in the Round 1 of the Rs 37,500 crore scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects. The bids were submitted by NTPC, Adani Enterprises, Talcher Fertilisers, Gallantt Ispat and Shyam Sel & Power. The response underscores growing industry confidence in coal gasification as a key pillar of India's energy security, import substitution and industrial development strategy.
