CHANDIGARH: The coal stocks have reached at critical level in thermal plants in Northern India and Punjab and Rajasthan are the worst hit by coal shortage. It has posed a threat to smooth functioning of plants at the time when power consumption is in high demand due to paddy sowing and poor monsoon in these states.
This shortfall has left power plants with coal stocks significantly below the required levels. Some of the thermal power plants in Punjab currently have only four days of coal stock, while plants in Rajasthan are operating with less than five days of reserves. These figures are alarmingly low compared to the Central Electricity Authority's (CEA) mandate of maintaining at least 22 days of coal stock for smooth operations.
According to sources in PSPCL, in the months of June and July, the coal materialization rate, which refers to the actual supply of coal against the contracted quantity, plummeted to a mere 45%. The Talwandi Sabo thermal plant has coal stock for less than a week. The coal supply comes from Chhatisgarh and due to rainy season work is talled at coal mines. The other thermal plants are generating less than their full capacity keep the olants operational.
With coal reserves dwindling, power plants are struggling to meet the region's electricity demands, which have surged to over 16, 000 MW due to the rising mercury levels and the ongoing paddy season. The situation is particularly dire in Punjab, where the demand for power is high to support agricultural activities. Without adequate coal supplies, power plants risk operational shutdowns, leading to widespread power outages and disruptions in essential services.
The sources said that coal shortage is result of many factors like logistical challenges in coal transportation. The low availability of goods trains are hindering the timely delivery of coal to power plants. There has been an overall increase in coal demand across the country, putting further strain on the supply chain. The factors like regulatory and environmental constraints are also impacting the availability of coal for thermal power plants.
The PSPCL officials said that the government in Punjab has acknowledged the severity of the coal shortage and is taking steps to address the issue. Measures are being implemented to improve coal transportation logistics, such as increasing the number of coal rakes and ensuring timely dispatches from coal mines.
However, these measures need to be complemented by immediate actions to ensure a steady coal supply to power plants in the northern states. It is crucial to prioritize the allocation of available coal to regions facing acute shortages. Moreover, there should be a coordinated effort between the central and state governments to address the logistical bottlenecks and ensure that coal reaches the power plants without delays.
The experts are of the view that it is equally important to focus on long-term solutions to prevent such crises in the future. Diversifying the energy mix by increasing the share of renewable energy sources can reduce the dependency on coal.
Investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can provide a sustainable and reliable alternative to coal-based power generation.
In conclusion, the current coal crisis in northern India underscores the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to energy management. By addressing both immediate and long-term challenges, the region can achieve energy security and support its growing power demands sustainably.