Coal shortages at power units shoot up: 32 TPS record critical stock

Shortages in supply of coal continue to increase, affecting power generation at major thermal power stations (TPS) across the country. According to the latest data on coal stock positions, compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), a total of 32 coal-fired power stations, on June 22, 2010, registered `critical` coal stocks, with fuel in these plants expected to last less than seven days. Of these, the coal stock position in 15 stations have been designated as very critical, where stocks are expected to sustain operations for less than four days.

The stations facing critical coal stocks include NTPC`s 2,340 MW Kahalgaon TPS in Bihar, Damodar Valley Corporation`s (DVC) 500 MW Bhilai and Mejia TPS, Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited`s (Mahgenco) Parli, Dahanu and Khaparkheda-II TPS; Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited`s (RVUNL) power stations at Kota and Chhabra, Gujarat State Electricity Corporation`s (GSEC) Gandhi Nagar and Wankbori TPS; Tamil Nadu Electricity Board`s (TNEB) Mettur TPS; Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation`s (APGenco) Dr N Tata Rao TPS as well as West Bengal Power Development Corporation`s Bandel TPS, amongst others.

These shortages are on account of a lower receipt of coal from Coal India Limited (CIL), higher than anticipated power generation at some stations and delay in imports. The impact is most pronounced in the eastern and western regions. These regions have the maximum number of stations facing coal shortages, 10 and 11 respectively. Under normal conditions, thermal power plants are expected to hold coal stocks that can sustain 15 to 30 days of operations, depending on the location of the project. While pithead stations require less stock, of 15 days or more, power plants located away from mines are expected to hold coal stocks equivalent to 21-30 days of operations.