Coal shortage set to unplug power plants in Rajasthan

The state’s daily demand of electricity has surged to about 15,000 MW as the summer days are progressing,  while the coal stock in 4 power plants in the state is for less than 10 days.

The position in Kota thermal power plant for coal is said to be very critical and officials inform that power plant has stock of about 50,000 tonnes which would barely suffice for merely 4-5 days.

As per the latest report of central electricity authority, Chhabra Thermal power project has coal stock of 9 days, while Suratgarh has stock of 7 days and Kawai also has 3 days left.

The condition of coal stock in the plants is almost same since last 8-10 months, however that time it was being managed easily as the power demand was less.

Sources informed that this is because of the technical problems related to coal India Limited. It has a major role in the shortage of coal across the country.

Secondly, the state also needs regular movement of rakes of coal which is also many times not happening. To streamline the system, meeting between the power utilities, Coal India and Railways is slated to be held in New Delhi on April 11.

Thereafter, a meeting will also be held in Kolkata on April 12. In these meetings, officials from Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam limited (RVUNL) are expected to participate, who will apprise the officials about the critical stock of coal.

However, the problem seems to be grave as  power plants not only in the state but across the country are facing similar situation. In such cases the power producers usually shut down a unit and electricity is bought from power exchange, which may be resorted to.

Tech problem

The condition of coal stock in the plants is almost same since last 8-10 months, however that time it was being managed easily as the power demand was less. Sources informed that this is because of the technical problems related to coal India Limited.