Coal news and updates

Krishnapatnam eyes 50 mt coal imports in FY16

February 11: Krishnapatnam Port has projected coal imports through it are likely to reach around 50 million tons (mt) in the coming fiscal, an official from the port told ICMW.

“Of the country’s projected coal imports of 240 mt by FY16, KPCL is aiming to have a bigger share and eyes importing around 40-50 mt of coal by FY16,” the official said.

He said the main reasons for the increase in imports are increased demands from new power plants.

“Currently, seven power generating companies are located in the port’s surrounding area.
Several power companies are currently building coal-fired electricity generating units in and around Krishnapatnam with a capacity that is likely to go up to 15,000 MW. These companies cumulatively would be importing at least 70% of their coal requirement through Krishnapatnam Port,” the official said.

“Additionally, Krishnapatnam being announced one among the proposed 100 Industrial Smart Cities in India, the demand for coal will further go up to meet the industrial requirements in the region,” he added.

He said that with these industrial requirements in the region, coal imports are surging with an expectation to hit 100 mtpa in the next 10 years.