Coal news and updates

SCCL to hike coal output tocash in on shortage in states

With thermal power stations in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh facing acute shortage of coal, there is a sudden demand for Singareni black gold.

As the coal reserves at 15 thermal stations in those states may last for just two to three days, Singareni Collieries Company Limited has decided to produce more coal by fixing targets. However, Telangana Genco officials claimed that they have sufficient reserves for the next one week to 10 days. Telangana generates 3,700 MW of thermal power to meets its requirement.

Since the cost of imported coal has gone up by 100%, thermal power stations, sponge iron and cement industries were looking at local coal and the coal ministry is reviewing coal stocks on a day-to-day basis and requesting SCCL to increase coal production and transportation.

SCCL chairman and managing director N Sridhar on Monday held a meeting with directors and general managers on on coal production. “Thermal power stations in Telangana, which have agreements with Singareni, have one week to 10 day coal stocks,” Sridhar said.