Lack of coal stocks could trigger another power crisis in India: Reports

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based independent research organization, has recently warned that pre-monsoon coal pile at thermal power stations in India is likely to another trigger power crisis in July and August 2022.

At present, the total current coal stock at all the power plants across the country stands at 20.7 million tons and 13.5 MT at pithead power stations.

CREA’s latest report says that the data collected from official sources indicate coal power plants are not in a position to fulfil even a minor hike in power demand and there is dire need to manage coal transportation in advance.

Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) has forecasted a peak in power demand of 214 Giga Watt in August. Apart from this, the average energy demand is also predicted to surpass 1,33,426 million units (MUs) which is May month’s consumption.

CREA also said that the upcoming monsoon in the southwest will further hinder the transportation of coal from mines to power houses. The research firm further suggested that if the coal stocks will not be replenished before the monsoon, India might head towards another severe power crisis in July-August 2022.

It also warned that the ongoing power crisis in the nation is not due to less coal production but due to a lack of distribution and responsiveness by the officials. Owing to this, the thermal power plants were not stocked sufficiently even after adequate coal mining.

CREA’s report also highlighted that the current power crisis has not started recently. Coal stock at power stations has been diminishing constantly since May 2020.

The key reason for the power problems in the previous year was due to the lack of action by the operators at power plants to stock required coal before the arrival of the southwest monsoon. The timing is essential as the monsoon waterlogs the coal mines, affecting their production and transport to power stations.

Source Credit: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/india-heading-towards-another-power-crisis-in-july-august-report-8601651.html