India expects lower rainfall in coal-producing areas, potentially easing power crisis
NEW DELHI: India expects rainfall in the biggest coal-producing areas of its east-central region to be below the long-term average this year, potentially easing utilities’ coal shortages as there could be fewer disruptions to mining activity due to flooding.
Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, together account for nearly half of the country’s annual coal output. Coal accounts for nearly 75% of India’s power generation.
India expects overall rainfall during the annual monsoon to be 103% of the long-term average. Higher rainfall in other parts of the country could increase hydro power generation and irrigation-driven electricity demand could be lower, easing pressure on thermal power.
India has reversed a policy to cut coal imports to zero, invoked an emergency law to operate imported coal-based utilities and plans to reopen closed mines to address surging power demand, which is seen growing at the fastest pace in at least 38 years.
