Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 20: The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) has started supplying its surplus coal to state-run power producer NTPC under a memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies.

The supply arrangement became operational on Friday, September 18, with WBPDCL commencing coal movement after meeting the fuel requirements of its own power-generation facilities.

Under the agreement, WBPDCL plans to supply around 3.5 million tonnes of surplus coal to NTPC by March 2027.

The development comes after WBPDCL strengthened domestic coal availability for its own generating stations, leaving additional quantities available for supply to other power producers.

NTPC, one of India’s largest electricity generators, will receive the surplus fuel under the arrangement to support its requirements for thermal power operations.

The agreement is also aimed at improving the utilisation of domestic coal resources across the power sector, with thermal power continuing to account for a significant share of India’s electricity generation.

WBPDCL operates power-generation facilities in West Bengal and has access to captive coal resources. The company has been working to secure adequate fuel supplies for its generating stations and reduce dependence on external sources.

The latest arrangement will allow WBPDCL to utilise and monetise coal available beyond its own operational requirements, while providing NTPC with an additional domestic source of fuel.

The coal supply is scheduled to continue until March 2027, with both state-owned companies expected to coordinate the movement and delivery of the fuel under the terms of their agreement.