Pralhad releases “Strategy Paper on Coal Import Substitution
Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi says the government is taking a step towards achieving energy security in the country and to become Atmanirbhar by ensuring self-sufficiency in coal.
The aims is also to curb coal imports https://www.iea.org/ , he said on 7 Mar at the release of “Strategy Papers on Coal Import Substitution”.
The “Strategy papers on Coal Import Substitution” has been prepared as a report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC). The paper focuses on the present energy mix of the country, domestic coal production, trends and projections, import trends (sector-wise), coal import substitution measures already taken by the Government and most importantly, the future road map and recommendations of the Committee towards Coal Import Substitution https://www.worldcoal.com/ .
The paper delves into the intricate issues, offering insights, strategies and imperative actions to reduce import dependency and enhance domestic production of coal.
The IMC is chaired by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal and has Members from various Ministries and stakeholders like Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Steel, DPIIT, MSME, Niti Aayog, CCO, Coal companies like CIL and SCCL etc.
Meanwhile, coal production has reached an unprecedented milestone, crossing 900 million tons (MT) as on 6 Mar 2024, setting the stage to approach the ambitious one billion ton (BT) target by 31 Mar 2024.
Notably, during the current fiscal year i.e. 2023-24, India has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing last year’s coal production of 893.19 MT, twenty-seven days in advance.
Additionally, there is ample coal stock of around 85 MT available with coal companies, while domestic coal-based thermal power plants maintain coal stocks of 43.28 MT as of 5 Mar 2024, ensuring uninterrupted power supply across the country.
The sufficient coal stock and record-breaking coal production facilitate meeting the escalating electricity demand, especially during peak consumption periods, thereby fostering stability in the energy sector and supporting economic growth.
India’s achievement of surpassing 900 MT in coal production not only bolsters India’s energy security but also reduces dependence on coal imports, thereby saving forex substantially, said the Coal Ministry. fiinews.com
