中文
The Indian government has extended the operation of power plants reliant on imported coal by eight months in response to escalating challenges in the Indian power sector due to high electricity consumption and dwindling domestic coal stocks.
This strategic measure, as outlined in a government order, aims to address the pressing need to meet the nation's surging electricity demand.
India has experienced a substantial surge in electricity demand, largely attributed to various economic factors, including industrial growth.
However, this uptick in demand has coincided with inadequate domestic coal supply and limitations in hydropower generation. Consequently, it has created a critical situation where domestic coal stocks have rapidly diminished. In the first half of October 2023, coal inventories at power plants dwindled at a rate unmatched in the past two years.
The government's order invokes exceptional measures, directing imported coal-based power plants with an aggregate capacity of nearly 17 GW, to continue their operations. This extension will persist until the end of June, providing a crucial lifeline to India's electricity grid in meeting the escalating demand for power.
The government's official statement emphasizes the imperative nature of ensuring a stable power supply, particularly during this period of increased demand. As such, it's essential that power generation from coal-based facilities utilizing imported coal remains uninterrupted.
The extension came after the power ministry on June 12 asked imported coal-based utilities to operate at full capacity until September 30 in response to high temperatures-induced strong power demand, which marked a three-month expansion from the original guidance.
Coal stockpiles at Indian power plants stood at 20.49 million tonnes as of October 22, enough to cover less than eight days of use, data from the Central Electricity Authority showed.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Emma Yang)
For any questions, please contact us by inquiry@fwenergy.com or +86-351-7219322.
