The Hindu Business Line : Dereservation of coal blocks to add 68,000 MW

CHENNAI: The Government has allocated coal blocks for the power sector that is expected to add 68,000 MW to power generation capacity, according to a release.

Twelve coal blocks, with geological reserves of about 6.4 billion tonnes, have been allocated to 18 Central and State Government companies. This is expected to sustain power generation of approximately 30,000 MW.

Some 31 private companies have been allocated 15 coal blocks, with geological reserves of 3.6 billion tonnes, to support additional generation of 16,000 MW. More than 900 applications were received for the allocation of these coal blocks.

The Government has also decided to facilitate the development of ultra mega power projects of about 4,000 MW capacity each under tariff based competitive bidding route using super critical technology.

Four coal blocks, with geological reserves of 1,857 million tonnes, have been allocated to two ultra mega power projects being set up in Orissa and Jharkhand. These will have generation capacity of 8,000 MW.

In addition, two coal blocks have been earmarked for ultra mega power projects of 2,000 MW capacity each in Chhattisgarh. - Our Bureau

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