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14th September 2024 (8 Topics)

India’s Coal Industry

Context

India’s coal industry plays a crucial role in the country’s energy landscape, providing the primary fuel for power generation and various industrial activities.

Recent Developments:

  • Surge in Production: Over the past fiscal year, India has significantly increased its coal production. The total amount of coal produced has reached about 411.62 million tonnes (MT). This is a notable rise of about 5.85% compared to the same period last year when production was around 388.86 MT.
  • Role of Coal India Limited (CIL): A significant portion of this increase is due to Coal India Limited, the country’s largest coal producer. CIL’s output has risen to 311 MT, which is up from 302.53 MT the previous year. This increase is about 2.80%.
  • Coal Dispatches: The coal being sent out to various consumers, including power plants, has also seen an improvement. As of the same date, dispatches have grown to 442.24 MT, marking a 4.97% increase from the previous year’s 421.29 MT. Dispatches specifically to power plants have increased by 4.03%, reaching 362.65 MT.
  • Stock Levels: Coal stockpiles, which are the reserves held by coal companies, have surged to 76.49 MT, a substantial 49.07% rise from last year. For domestic coal-based thermal power plants, the coal reserves have reached 36.58 MT, showing a growth of 43.68%.

Why It Matters?

  • Energy Security: The increase in production and stockpiles is crucial for maintaining energy security, especially as coal is a primary energy source for India’s power generation.
  • Resilience: Despite facing challenges like adverse weather conditions that could have disrupted mining operations, the coal sector has shown remarkable resilience.
  • Future Outlook: The growth in coal production and dispatches suggests that India is bolstering its energy infrastructure and preparing to meet increasing energy demands.
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