In India the Domestic Coal-Fired Power Generation Increases By 8.38%

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 23-12-2023

In India the Domestic Coal-Fired Power Generation Increases By 8.38%

Economy 4 min read

India is the world's third-largest energy user, with a yearly rise in electricity consumption of roughly 4.7%. From April to November 2023, India had a stunning 7.71% increase in electricity generation as compared to the same time the previous year.

Recent Coal Statistics

During the April–November 2023 period, the country's coal-based electricity generation climbed by 8.38% to 779.1 billion units (BU) as compared to the last year.
The coal ministry stated in a statement that electricity generation in India climbed 7.71 percent during the period under review.
In the current fiscal year through November, coal imports for blending declined 44.28 percent to 15.16 million tonnes (MT).
Coal-based power generation witnessed an increase of 11.19% during Apr-Nov’ 23.
Reasons for increase in Coal-based power generation
- unprecedented rise in temperature
- delayed monsoons in the Northern region
- the resumption of full commercial activities post-Covid

What is Coal?

Coal, sometimes known as 'Black Gold,' is a kind of fossil fuel found in sedimentary strata.
It is a common and readily available source of energy.
In India, the coal sector is monopolistic.
Thermal power is the term used to describe coal-fired electricity.
China, the United States, Australia, Indonesia, and India are the world's top coal producers.

Classification of Coal

Coal is divided into four varieties or ranks: Anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite.

Type	Percentage of carbon content	Found
Anthracite	80 - 95%	found in small quantities in J&K
Bituminous	60 - 80%	West Bengal Jharkhand Odisha Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh
Lignite	40 to 55%	Lakhimpur (Assam) Rajasthan Tamil Nadu
Peat	less than 40%

Distribution of Coal in India

Gondwana Coal Fields

Gondwana coal accounts for 98% of total reserves and 99% of coal output in India.
It is metallurgical grade as well as exceptional quality coal in India.

It may be found in the valleys of Damodar (Jharkhand-West Bengal), Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh-Odisha), Godavari (Maharashtra), and Narmada.

Tertiary Coal Fields

The carbon content is quite low, but it is high in moisture and sulfur.
Tertiary coalfields are generally found in extra-peninsular areas.
Important locations include Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, the Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.