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New UserWBPDCL achieves coal self-sufficiency for power generation; ends reliance on Coal India
30 Sep 2024
According to
an official, WBPDCL has achieved self-sufficiency in coal supply for its
thermal plants from its captive sources in the current fiscal, eliminating its
dependence on Coal India Ltd
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WBPDCL aims to produce around 20 million tonnes of coal in the
current fiscal, up from 18.41 million tonnes in FY'24.
"We have zero dependence on Coal India for coal supply from
this fiscal. Last year, we procured 3.85 million tonnes of dry fuel from
them," WBPDCL Director (Mining) Chanchal Goswami told PTI.
As of August 2024, dispatches from our captive mines have reached
9.1 million tonnes, he said on the sidelines of Assocham's "2nd Minerals
and Mining Conclave 2024".
Goswami, also a former CIL professional, said that three-fourth of
WBPDCL's coal production comes from Pachwara North in Jharkhand.
The block is expected to produce 15 million tonnes in FY'25 out of
the total 20-21 million tonnes.
Other blocks include Barjora, Gangaramchak, Tara East, Tara West,
and Barjora North. WBPDCL operates these mines through Mine Developer and
Operators (MDOs).
WBPDCL's installed capacity stands at 4,265 MW from seven thermal
power units across five plants in the state. In the current fiscal, an
additional 660 MW thermal capacity from Sagardighi is expected to be added by
FY 2024-25.
In 2023-24, Pachwara North produced 13.69 million tonnes of coal,
while Gangaramchak produced 3 million tonnes, and Barjora North approximately 1
million tonnes.
In the current fiscal, as of August FY'25, production reached 5.1
million tonnes, while dispatches were 9.1 million tonnes, reflecting higher dispatches
due to large pithead stocks.
However, Goswami highlighted that production ramp-up is hindered
by inadequate evacuation infrastructure.
"Coal from Pachwara North has to be transported 50-60 km
before it can be loaded in rakes. Environmental issues surrounding road
transport pose a significant bottleneck," he explained.
Looking ahead, WBPDCL is planning to submit a mining proposal for
22 million tonnes, and expects excess coal production than its captive
requirements for commercial sales.
Meanwhile, Girishkumar Kadam, Head of Corporate Ratings at ICRA,
stated that the power sector, including renewables, has been performing well,
with more rating upgrades than downgrades.
"The key reasons for this satisfactory performance include
better track records, ownership, debt refinancing, and improved realizations
for thermal power generation companies. We maintain a stable outlook for
generation and transmission sectors, but our outlook for distribution companies
remains negative," Kadam said.
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