Coal news and updates

The Central Government has agreed to provide 4 lakh tonnes of coal from Western Coalfields Limited to Andhra Pradesh apart from allocating additional 65 mw from central generating stations.

 

The move comes after the State had taken up the power sector concerns with the Central Government.

 

The announcement was made after the State cabinet meeting held here late on Saturday evening.

 

The State Government has also decided to come out with a policy framework to encourage renewable energy sector in the State.

 

Apart from the commissioning of the 800 mw Krishnapatnam power plant, the State is banking on new capacity addition in the private sector, including 1040 mw of Hinduja National Power Limited located close to Visakhaptnam.

 

To tide over the current power crisis, the State has stepped up efforts to procure power from other States, including from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Of the 300 mw sought to be procured from Karnataka, about 100 mw is likely to come from July 1.

 

The State Chief Minister N Chanadrababu Naidu has directed procurement of additional power from various sources to bridge the demand-supply gap.

 

In the combined State of AP, orders were placed to purchase power up to 1750 MW from private generating stations. Out of which, AP is getting 800 MW to meet the demand. In addition to the above, AP is making efforts to procure power from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for July.

 

Already orders have been placed for 300 MW (100 MW from Karnataka, 200 MW from Tamil Nadu), out of which 100 MW from Karnataka will be available from July 1. For the balance 200 MW, efforts are being made to get consent from Tamil Nadu.

 

The State utilities could supply 125 million units per day as against the demand of 148 mu with a deficit of 23 mu.

 

 

Source: The HIndu Business Line