New Delhi: The Power Ministry has asked all thermal plants using imported coal to work at full capacity for the next three and a half months till October 15 to avoid power shortage amid rising demand in the country.
The ministry has estimated a maximum power demand of 260 GW during the summer season (April to June) in view of the long duration of summer. Peak power demand reached an all-time high of 243 GW in September 2023.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above normal temperatures in most parts of the country during summer this year.
"It has now been decided to extend the time period of Section 11 directive for generating companies having imported coal-based plants till October 15, 2024," a power ministry notice to 15 imported coal-based thermal power projects on April 12 said. Is.,
In October 2023, the ministry extended the deadline to operate these imported coal-fired plants at full capacity from November 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
In February 2023, the ministry had invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003 to avoid any cuts due to sudden increase in power demand.
This direction was for three months from March 16 to June 15, 2023, which was extended till September 30, 2023 and later till October 31, 2023.
In October, the period for running these imported coal-based power plants at full capacity was extended till June 30, 2024.
Peak electricity demand during summer in 2023 was projected to touch a record high of 229 GW.However, unseasonal rains hit demand as people used less cooling appliances like air conditioners, which consume electricity.
The 15 imported coal-fired (ICB) power plants that have been directed to run their plants at full capacity include Tata Power and Adani Power's Mundra plant in Gujarat; Essar Power Plant at Salaya; JSW Ratnagiri; Tata Trombe Udupi Power; Meenakshi Energy; And JSW Torangallu.
The ministry is saying that in the likely scenario of gap in demand and supply of domestic coal and the urgent need to maintain coal stocks at generating stations, there is a need to increase the use of imported coal by blending it with domestic fuel. -based plants and also by ensuring optimum production from ICB plants.
This will reduce pressure on domestic coal supply and will also ensure that all plants will be available during peak demand periods.The ministry has also made a provision for sale of excess power in the exchanges to cope with the high cost of imported coal.
The ministry has estimated a maximum power demand of 260 GW during the summer season (April to June) in view of the long duration of summer. Peak power demand reached an all-time high of 243 GW in September 2023.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above normal temperatures in most parts of the country during summer this year.
"It has now been decided to extend the time period of Section 11 directive for generating companies having imported coal-based plants till October 15, 2024," a power ministry notice to 15 imported coal-based thermal power projects on April 12 said. Is.,
In October 2023, the ministry extended the deadline to operate these imported coal-fired plants at full capacity from November 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
In February 2023, the ministry had invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003 to avoid any cuts due to sudden increase in power demand.
This direction was for three months from March 16 to June 15, 2023, which was extended till September 30, 2023 and later till October 31, 2023.
In October, the period for running these imported coal-based power plants at full capacity was extended till June 30, 2024.
Peak electricity demand during summer in 2023 was projected to touch a record high of 229 GW.However, unseasonal rains hit demand as people used less cooling appliances like air conditioners, which consume electricity.
The 15 imported coal-fired (ICB) power plants that have been directed to run their plants at full capacity include Tata Power and Adani Power's Mundra plant in Gujarat; Essar Power Plant at Salaya; JSW Ratnagiri; Tata Trombe Udupi Power; Meenakshi Energy; And JSW Torangallu.
The ministry is saying that in the likely scenario of gap in demand and supply of domestic coal and the urgent need to maintain coal stocks at generating stations, there is a need to increase the use of imported coal by blending it with domestic fuel. -based plants and also by ensuring optimum production from ICB plants.
This will reduce pressure on domestic coal supply and will also ensure that all plants will be available during peak demand periods.The ministry has also made a provision for sale of excess power in the exchanges to cope with the high cost of imported coal.
