Coal reserves fuel stocks declined during August as rains affected mining and the transport of coal to power plants, critical levels are affecting 45 power plants in India, amid difficulties in transporting fuel and a growing demand for electricity associated with higher than usual temperatures.
According to official data from August 25, the affected facilities have reserves below 25% of their requirements or sufficient stocks to maintain generation for less than three days. This figure represents a sharp increase compared to the 31 plants that were in this situation at the end of July. Of the 45 affected power plants, 40 operate using domestically sourced coal, according to information published by the Central Electricity Authority of India.
Coal reserves fall as rains disrupt supply
On the other hand, weather conditions are affecting various points in the supply chain, heavy rainfall has been recorded in producing states such as Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have hampered mining operations and slowed the coal transport even to thermal power plants. The commodities consultancy BigMint indicated that inventories experienced a significant reduction during August. According to their calculations, stocks decreased 19% compared to the levels recorded at the end of July.
Likewise, the accumulated reserves in the power plants reached 30.95 million tons this amount is sufficient to cover approximately ten days of operational requirements. In July, the coverage was around 12 days. This reduction leaves less room to respond to potential additional disruptions in mining or fuel transport during the monsoon season.
El Niño increases the pressure on electricity generation
At the same time, India is experiencing a particularly irregular rainy season, the country has received around 12% less rainfall than normal meanwhile, conditions associated with El Niño have contributed to high temperatures in various regions. This situation is driving increased electricity consumption, primarily due to the greater use of air conditioning. Demand remains high during nighttime hours, when solar generation decreases and thermal power plants become more important electricity supply.
An official of NTPC the country’s largest thermal power producer explained to Reuters that some facilities need between five and six rail convoys of coal but are receiving about half that amount. The imbalance between fuel needs and deliveries is increasing pressure on available inventories.
India seeks to keep its thermal power plants operational
Given this scenario, energy authorities are taking measures to preserve generation capacity while coal supplies are normalized. The Ministry of Energy has requested that some thermal power plants postpone scheduled maintenance work until there is greater clarity on the evolution of the supply, according to a senior official quoted by Reuters.
The decision aims to keep generating units available during a period of continued high electricity demand and when fuel stockpiles have lost some of their previously accumulated reserves. For now, rainfall patterns and the ability to restore transport from major mining regions will be key factors in stabilizing coal reserves for India’s power plants.
Fuente: Reuters
Foto: Shutterstock
