Augmentation of coal bearing areas-I: MoP throws up hands on imports

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has ruled out the possibility that the coal supply deficits faced by power firms may be bridged significantly by further ramp-up of imports.

• The ministry has made it clear that various technical and infrastructure constraints prevent an increase over the 35 MT of imports likely this year.
• According to the ministry, the boilers of the existing coal-based stations are not designed to consume imported coal in more than a 10-15% blend.
• Further, for even a 10% blend, tariffs increase by 40 paise per unit, against the use of only domestic coal, obviously affecting the finances of utilities.
• Besides, the available port and railway facilities will not support ferrying anymore coal from abroad, claims the MoP.