In Bharat, Coal and lignite production crossed 1 billion tonnes in 2023-24, as of March 22, in line with the government’s target for this financial year. The output was 6.7% higher year-on-year.
The government’s aim for 1-billion-tonne output was a milestone set a few years ago, which considers the increase in electricity requirements.
The government said, ‘Surpassing the 1-billion-tonne mark in coal and lignite production reduces the dependence on imports’.
Notably, Bharat has about 96 million tonnes of coal available with companies. As of March 22, stocks at domestic coal-based thermal power plants total 49.5 million tonnes. The stocks will enable power generators to sail through the summer months when demand is expected to expand substantially.
Earlier the government had said the peak electricity demand between April and June is likely to reach 260 GW as compared with 243 GW this year in September 2023.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts higher-than-normal temperatures in the upcoming summer.
‘During the hot weather season of March to May above-normal maximum temperature’, the IMD said earlier this month. However, preparations are on to meet the summer demand, with higher coal stocks at power plants than anticipated.
Comments