Pralhad Joshi: thermal power plants hold 22 MT coal, enough for ten days

Amid allegations that thermal power plants' coal stockpiles are dwindling, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the country's thermal plants have roughly 22 million tonnes of coal, enough for ten days, and replenishment would be done continually.

The minister mentioned thermal facilities that aren't operating at complete capacity owing to rising import coal prices.

He said that the electricity ministry had provided the thermal power plants with the necessary instructions.

Joshi told the media that since the closure of the gas-fired power plant, import prices have risen, and no unit has been able to operate at full capacity.

Joshi met with the CMD of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and other senior officials for a review meeting and a comprehensive discussion on how to increase coal output and offtake from CCL.

They also used state administration to figure out how to clear the land of all encumbrances.

According to Joshi, the power demand has surged as a result of demands from diverse sectors in an economy that is currently developing rapidly following the slowdown created by Covid-19.

Joshi said that on average, the thermal power plants retain 21-22 million tonnes of coal, whereas Coal India and others hold 72 million tonnes.

The Delhi government is concerned about a probable coal shortage in power plants that supply energy to the national capital and issued a letter to the Central Government requesting them to secure enough coal supplies.

Delhi's peak electricity consumption surpassed 6000 megawatts (MW) for the first time in April, as the unrelenting warmth continues to drive demand to new highs.

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