DOMESTIC Coal: Leap in production, improved dispatches to stave off possible fuel shortages in 2022 The country's coal production is expected to record a "sizeable leap" in 2022 with increased output mainly from Coal India and captive mines, providing adequate firewall against any possible dry fuel shortages like the one witnessed in the latter half of this year. While coal supplies have stabilised in recent times, efforts are on to further improve the fuel dispatches and a top government official said power plants are now receiving slightly more coal compared to their requirements. Coal Secretary Anil Kumar Jain said the increase in coal output would be on account of more production from Coal India Ltd (CIL), cap-
18 | CCAI Monthly Newslette December 2021
tive coal blocks auctioned between 2015- 2020 and commercial mines put on sale last year. In the last financial year, CIL dug out about 596 million tonnes (MT) of coal, he said, adding that in the ongoing fiscal, the output is likely to be upped to 640 MT. The captive coal mines that were put on sale post cancellation of blocks by the Supreme Court produced 63 MT last fiscal. In the current financial year, their production is likely to be scaled up to 90 MT.
Coal to stay as major source of energy in foreseeable future: Pralhad Joshi Coal will stay as a major source of energy in the foreseeable future as it is an affordable source
