Imported coal plants urged to operate fully until September
COAL & MINING

Imported coal plants urged to operate fully until September

The power ministry announced that imported coal-based power plants were required to operate at maximum capacity until September 30 to meet the increased power demand caused by high temperatures nationwide. In February, the ministry had instructed these plants to run optimally from March 16 to June 15 under Section 11 of the Electricity Act. The recent directive effectively extended this timeline by more than three months.

Initially, power demand was projected to reach its peak at around 229 GW in April. However, due to changes in weather conditions, it reached 216 GW in April and 221 GW in May. Nevertheless, the rising temperatures in the last two weeks have further increased the demand. On June 9, India experienced its highest-ever peak power demand at 223 GW, although it was still lower than the projected peak.

Moreover, the upcoming challenge of the monsoon season is expected to result in a decline in domestic coal production and evacuation. Imported coal-based power plants can play a crucial role during this period. Section 11 of the Electricity Act allows the government to request a generating company to operate and maintain a station according to its directions in extraordinary circumstances.

This section was invoked last year as well, when power demand had surged and domestic coal supply and related supply chains were restricted. The notification was withdrawn in December, which resulted in a decrease in imported coal-based power generation and an increased reliance on domestic supplies.

The power ministry announced that imported coal-based power plants were required to operate at maximum capacity until September 30 to meet the increased power demand caused by high temperatures nationwide. In February, the ministry had instructed these plants to run optimally from March 16 to June 15 under Section 11 of the Electricity Act. The recent directive effectively extended this timeline by more than three months. Initially, power demand was projected to reach its peak at around 229 GW in April. However, due to changes in weather conditions, it reached 216 GW in April and 221 GW in May. Nevertheless, the rising temperatures in the last two weeks have further increased the demand. On June 9, India experienced its highest-ever peak power demand at 223 GW, although it was still lower than the projected peak. Moreover, the upcoming challenge of the monsoon season is expected to result in a decline in domestic coal production and evacuation. Imported coal-based power plants can play a crucial role during this period. Section 11 of the Electricity Act allows the government to request a generating company to operate and maintain a station according to its directions in extraordinary circumstances. This section was invoked last year as well, when power demand had surged and domestic coal supply and related supply chains were restricted. The notification was withdrawn in December, which resulted in a decrease in imported coal-based power generation and an increased reliance on domestic supplies.

Next Story
Building Material

CCI Clears Ambuja Cements' Plan to Acquire 72.8% Stake in Orient Cement

The Competition Commission of India has approved Ambuja Cements's proposed acquisition of up to 72.8 per cent shareholding in Orient Cement. Ambuja Cements, a leading manufacturer of grey cement, produces Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Pozzolona Portland Cement (PPC), and Pozzolona Composite Cement (PCC). The company, along with its subsidiaries, operates 22 integrated cement plants, 10 bulk cement terminals, and 21 grinding units across India. Orient Cement specializes in the production of grey cement, including PPC and OPC. The company operates three manufacturing facilities in Devapur ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CCI Clears Shell’s 100% Acquisition of Raj Petro Specialities

The Competition Commission of India has granted approval for the acquisition of Raj Petro Specialities by Shell Deutschland GmbH and Shell Overseas Investments BV. The transaction involves the complete acquisition of Raj Petro Specialities' equity share capital by these Shell entities. Shell Plc, the parent company of the Shell Group, operates as a multinational energy and petrochemical corporation. The company is engaged in various sectors, including oil and gas exploration, production, manufacturing, marketing, and shipping of oil products and chemicals. Additionally, the group is involved..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

CCI Clears JSW Energy's Full Acquisition of KSK Mahanadi Power

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding in KSK Mahanadi Power Company by JSW Energy. JSW Energy (JSWEL) is a public listed company having established its presence across the value chains of the power sector with diversified assets in power generation, transmission and trading with strong operations, robust corporate governance and prudential capital allocation. Presently, JSWEL (through its subsidiaries) is engaged in power generation, power transmission, power trading, coal mining, and power equipment manufacturing. JSW Thermal ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?