Three Industrial states to import 10.5 mt of coal to curb power cuts

22 Apr 2022 CW Team

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the country’s three most industrialised states, plan to import 10.5 million tonnes (mt) of coal in some months to control widespread power cuts.

Utilities' coal inventories are at the lowest pre-summer levels in at least nine years, and electricity demand is increasing in at least 38 years.

According to the officials, Maharashtra plans to import 8 mt of coal for blending purposes, while Gujarat will place orders for 1 mt next week.

The Chairman of the state government-run utility said the state was targeting to import 20% of its coal requirements and had already placed orders to import 1.5 mt.

This move could lead to a further increase in global prices of coal, which are already trading at record-high due to a supply crunch following the European Commission's decision to ban coal imports from Russia after it invaded Ukraine.

Earlier, India asked the state government-run utilities to import 4% of their coal requirements for blending purposes but later suggested that imports be boosted to 10% of the quantity needed to address the rising power demand.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited plans to boost coal imports to the highest level in eight years.

Many states, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, are already facing power cuts.

Coal utilities in Tamil Nadu have less than two days of rolling coal stock left on average. However, the coal power plants in Maharashtra and Gujarat have about five days of inventory left on average. The federal guidelines recommend that states should have at least 24 days of coal inventory.

The officials have also decided to invoke an emergency clause in India's electricity law to allow the idled power plants designed to run on imported coal to pass on higher costs to the distribution companies.

Image Source

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..