Coal news and updates

The 3000-MW NTPC-Kaniha, the second largest power plant in the country, is facing a critical stage due to low supply of coal from the feeding Mahanadi Coalfield Limited (MCL).

 

As per norms of the Central Electricity Authority, the plant should have a stock of coal that would last for at least seven days. According to NTPC sources, NTPC-Kaniha now has coal stock of 30,000 tonne that would meet plant’s requirement for half a day. Sources added that the mega power plant that supplies power to 17 States including Odisha may shut down its units anytime if the coal supply does not improve.

 

Even Kaniha open cast mine, which came up a year ago, has not been of much help in overcoming the shortage due to frequent breakdown of machines resulting in low production. The coal mine has been outsourced to a private company. “Though NTPC-Kaniha is managing to operate all its six 500 MW units as of now, we will have to shut down units very soon. The plant has been getting 40,000 tonnes of coal per day from all its sources for the last 15 days as against the normal supply of 55,000 tonnes,” said an official.

 

Recently, Chairman of Coal India Limited S Narsingh Rao during his visit to the plant assured of full supply of coal to it.

 

MCL sources at Talcher said coal production here came down following restriction on mining by the State Government due to heat wave condition. “Also there are some problems in Kaniha mines, but we are trying to improve the supply,” an MCL official said.

 

 

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/