Coal news and updates

Power sector coal demand to hit 1 bn tons by ‘21-22

April 16: Even as CIL aims to achieve 1 billion tons of coal production by 2019-20, coal demand from the power sector will continue to outpace supply growth and reach 1 billion tons by the end of the 13th Plan (2017-22), D N Prasad, Advisor (P), Ministry of Coal, said.

“The 13th Plan envisages addition of around 68,480 MW of capacity, 80% of which (56,400 MW) will be coal-based. These exclude, 30,000 MW of renewables capacity. So by 2021-22, coal requirement from the power sector alone will be more than 1,000 million tons,” Prasad said.

In view of the demand growth, he indicated imports may continue to be a reality to live with. “Imports of 170 mt of coal in 2013-14 may look alarming, but this is based on commercial decisions. Imports are likely to go up since demand is rising. And though efforts are being made to increase supply, it will not be enough to meet the entire demand,” he added.