New Delhi : Alarming statistics have emerged regarding the shortage of coal in thermal power plants across the country. Coal stocks in thermal power plants across the country have fallen to less than half of the target level, according to the latest data from the Central Electricity Authority. As of September 2, coal stocks in 50 power plants were found to be 'extremely low' due to increased power demand and supply disruptions due to monsoon.

According to reports, these power plants, with a total capacity of about 224 GW, had only 28.2 million tonnes of coal left as of Wednesday against the mandated 58.7 million tonnes. Available reserves are approximately 9 days of coal requirement at 85 percent plant load factor, whereas normally it should be around 19 days. The 50 power plants declared as essential have less than 25 percent of their scheduled coal reserves. In the wake of supply disruptions caused by the Iran war, India is considering coal gasification as an alternative to energy imports.

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Meanwhile, Coal Ministry officials said that all essential projects are being monitored daily by an inter-ministerial team of officials and are getting uninterrupted supply of fuel. Of these 50 projects, 45 run on domestic fuel, four are built on imported coal and one runs on waste from a washery.

Action to be taken in order of priority

Classifying a thermal power plant as 'essential' is a standard monitoring measure under Coal Energy Administration (CEO) regulations. It simply means that they will be monitored more closely and dealt with on a priority basis.

Why was there a shortage of coal?

Demand surges: Summer came early this year, power demand increased by 15%

Problem in Mines : Coal cannot be removed from the mine due to heavy rains

Shortage of Railway Racks : Not enough wagons are available for transporting coal

Impact on imports: Indonesia stops coal exports

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