Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 5: Coal stocks at thermal power plants across India have fallen to less than half of the recommended level, with 50 plants classified as having critically low inventories amid high electricity demand and monsoon-related disruptions in coal supplies, according to Central Electricity Authority data.
The 50 plants, with a combined generation capacity of around 224 GW, had 28.2 million tonnes (MT) of coal as of September 2 against the prescribed requirement of 58.7 MT. The available stock is sufficient for around nine days of generation at 85% plant load factor, compared with the normative requirement of nearly 19 days.
Plants with less than 25% of their prescribed coal inventory are classified as having critically low stocks. Of the 50 affected plants, 45 use domestic coal, four are designed to operate on imported coal and one uses washery rejects.
Coal Ministry officials said the plants were being monitored daily by an inter-ministerial team, with regular fuel supplies being maintained to prevent any disruption in power generation.
The classification of a plant as critical is part of the routine monitoring mechanism under CEA norms and indicates the need for closer tracking and priority action rather than an immediate shortage of fuel.
The normative coal requirement for thermal power plants is estimated at around 3.1 MT per day at an 85% plant load factor. However, officials said the actual daily requirement is closer to 2.4 MT.
Coal supply typically faces disruptions during the monsoon due to heavy rainfall and related logistical challenges. The situation is expected to improve from September as rainfall begins to recede.
Meanwhile, sources said some coal-fired power plants had been advised to defer scheduled maintenance in order to maintain uninterrupted electricity generation amid the tight coal stock situation.
The development comes at a time when electricity demand remains elevated, putting additional pressure on coal-based power generation, which continues to account for a major share of India's electricity supply.