In a significant shift towards self-reliance in coal production, India has recorded a 44.28% decrease in coal import for blending, bringing it down to 15.16 million tonne (MT) up to November 2023, compared to 27.21 MT during the same period last year. This reduction aligns with the country’s escalating power demand and its commitment to minimize dependence on imported coal.
India, ranked as the world’s third-largest consumer of energy, has witnessed a notable increase in power generation, registering a 7.71% surge from April to November 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. This increase is particularly evident in coal-based power generation, which saw an 11.19% rise during this period. Factors contributing to this increase include a significant rise in temperature, delayed monsoons in the Northern regions, and the resumption of full-scale commercial activities post-Covid.
The country’s domestic coal-based power generation up to November 2023 reached 779.1 Billion Units (BU), demonstrating an 8.38% increase from the 718.83 BU generated in the corresponding period last year. This growth reflects the ongoing rise in electricity demand in India, which has been increasing annually by approximately 4.7%.
In line with these developments, the government is intensifying its efforts to boost coal production domestically. The objective is to enhance coal availability within the country and reduce the reliance on imported coal, thereby preserving foreign reserves. This strategic move towards bolstering domestic coal production is pivotal for India’s energy strategy, especially given the growing power requirements and the challenges presented by global energy market trends.
