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 The notification was withdrawn in December, which resulted in a decrease in imported coal-based power generation and an increased reliance on domestic supplies.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
Infrastructure Urban

Blue Dart posts revenue growth in FY26 on e-commerce and B2B demand

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s express air and integrated transportation and distribution company, has reported year-on-year growth in revenue for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, driven by strong momentum in e-commerce shipments and B2B surface express solutions.Announcing its financial results after the Board Meeting held in Mumbai, the company said revenue from operations rose to Rs 6,141 crore in FY2025–26, compared to Rs 5,720 crore in FY2024–25. Profit after tax for the year stood at Rs 240 crore.For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Blue Dart reported revenue from..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Terex launches TRAC vibration analysis system

Terex®, a global provider of specialised equipment solutions, has launched TRAC, a new vibration analysis system designed to deliver deeper insight into the performance, condition and long-term structural integrity of screening equipment.Announced in Hosur on May 11, 2026, the TRAC system is now available across screening equipment offered under Terex Materials Processing (MP) brands, including Powerscreen®, Finlay®, EvoQuip®, MDS®, Terex® Washing Systems, Terex® MPS (Cedarapids®, Simplicity®), MAGNA™ and Terex® Ecotec.Developed specifically for vibratory screening equipment by Ter..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ADIO partners Motherson to set up large automotive components hub in KEZAD

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced its support for Samvardhana Motherson International Limited’s (Motherson) new manufacturing hub in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step in strengthening the emirate’s position as a global centre for advanced manufacturing and automotive supply chains.ADIO said the partnership aligns with its strategy to accelerate high-value industrial investments and build resilient supply chains across priority sectors, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a regional and global manufacturing and export hub.Under the partnership, a large-scal..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement