Coal Ministry Aims for 1404 Million Tonnes Production by 2027, Current Stocks Reflect Steady Increase
- Ministry Plans Expansion and New Mines to Meet Growing Demand for 80 GW Thermal Capacity by 2030
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Nov 13, 2023: The Ministry of Coal is gearing up to produce 1404 million tonnes (MT) of coal by 2027 and 1577 MT by 2030, with the current production level hovering around one billion tonnes per annum. The strategic plan aligns with the anticipation of an additional 80 GW thermal capacity to be added to the country’s power generation by 2030.
Acknowledging the rising coal requirement for this added thermal capacity, estimated at around 400 MT at 85% Plant Load Factor (PLF), the Ministry is actively preparing to meet these demands. However, the actual requirement may be lower, contingent on the evolving energy landscape and contributions from renewable sources.
The Ministry’s production enhancement plan includes the opening of new mines, expanding existing capacities, and tapping into captive/commercial mines. All three operational components are integral to meeting the growing demand, with clear plans for further enhancement.
As of the current year, coal stocks have started to accumulate, with thermal power plants holding approximately 20 MT, and mines boasting 41.59 MT. The total stock, including transit and captive mines, stands at 73.56 MT, marking a 12% year-on-year growth compared to the 65.56 MT recorded last year.
Collaboration between the Ministries of Coal, Power, and Railways ensures a coordinated effort to maintain smooth coal supplies. The lowest Thermal Power Plant (TPP) stock for this year was on October 16, 2023. Since then, a steady increase in stock at both thermal power plants and mines has been observed.
Noteworthy is the 8.99% growth in power generation from domestic coal-based plants and a 13.02% growth in coal production on a yearly basis (as of the current date). Over the last three months, the demand for thermal power has surged by more than 20% compared to the same period last year, underscoring the critical role of coal in meeting the escalating energy needs of the nation.
