CEA calls for assessment of future coal requirements of power sector

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has called on the union power ministry to commission a comprehensive study of the coal requirements consequent to the fresh capacity addition envisaged in the country in the short and long-terms. The assessment, to be carried out by a third party consultant, is also expected to recommend timeframes within which various measures are to be implemented by the relevant agencies, to meet the burgeoning coal demand from the power sector. According to the central agency, such a study is essential in view of the massive generation capacity addition plans, aimed to cater to the power requirement anticipated in the country over the next 10 to 20 years, . 

 With capacity addition targets of 85,000 MW and 35,000 MW, respectively, for the 12^th and 13^th Plans, the power sector coal requirements in FY 2016-17 is likely to soar to 850 million tonnes (MT), almost double the current 434 million tonnes (MT). Accordingly, a paradigm shift, in terms of the formulation and implementation of realistic time-bound action plans for supply of domestic and imported coal, its transport and distribution and quality controls, is required. Accordingly, as per the authority, the comprehensive study would throw light on the procedural and technological changes required to effect the shift.