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With the India Meteorological Department predicting deficient monsoon this year, thermal power is set to bear the brunt of power generation to avoid a power crisis.
Statistics from the Government show that it is better prepared than last year with greater availability of coal.
As on June 2, only 13 out of the 100 thermal power plants in the country had less than seven days or critical levels of coal stock. Out of this, two are taking coal as per their requirement. Further, 22 out of the 100 plants have over one month of coal stocks.
However, dependence on hydro power has been reduced. As per the targets of the Central Electricity Authority, hydro power generation for April-September 2015 is at 77,830 million units, or about 13.7 per cent of the total power generation in the country.
In the same period last year, hydro power contributed about 15 per cent of the total power generation at 80,896.50 million units.
Northwest woes Another concern is the power supply in the northwest region which the met department expects will be hit particularly hard with 85 per cent of the long period average (LPA) rainfall or a severely deficient monsoon. In this region 7 out of 32 plants had less than seven days’ coal stocks (critical levels) as on June 2.
The monsoon is considered below normal when rainfall is less than 96 per cent of the LPA and deficient if it falls below 90 per cent.
Last week, Minister for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal had expressed concern over the possibility of a weak monsoon, but added that the country is sufficiently prepared for it.
“We are preparing for any eventuality by ensuring adequate availability of coal for generation. Buffer stocks are being built up and power plants are ready to produce more. We have sufficient capacity in the system. Sufficient contingency plans have been drawn up. We will ensure that there is no power shortage anywhere in the country,” Goyal had said.
Coal India’s increased production is one of the reasons for the increased coal availability. In the first two months of the fiscal 2015-16, the company has produced 11.8 per cent more coal at 82.49 million tonne.
However, there are concerns whether statistics will result in higher generation when required.
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