Centre plans to improve thermal power generation

In order to improve coal supply to power plants, the Coal India Limited (CIL) has been adopting all modern technologies to extract resources from various mines.

The Dollar Business Bureau Thermal power plants in India generated 878 BU during the last year, registering 10.83 % growth as compared to the figure of 792 BU a year ago. The government has taken slew of measures to improve power generation capacity in the country, Piyush Goyal, Minister of State, Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, reported PIB. Re-allocation of coal blocks cancelled by the Supreme Court through auction, supplying adequate natural gas to gas-based power plants and modernization of several units were part of the measures to improve the country’s capacity of electricity generation. A total of 70 thermal generation units with total capacity of 12,066 MW for extension works and 65 units having capacity of 17,301 MW for renovation and modernisation works have been identified during 12th Plan, the minister said. The government has also took steps to strengthen inter-regional transmission capacity for optimum utilization of available power and coordinated operation and maintenance of hydro, thermal, nuclear and gas-based stations to optimally utilize the existing capacity. The minister said that to bridge the gap between supply and demand, 88,537 MW capacity will be added during 12th Plan. Besides, an additional 30,000 MW will be added from renewable sources. In order to improve coal supply to power plants, the Coal India Limited (CIL) has been adopting all modern technologies to extract resources from various mines. In case of open cast mining, CIL uses heavy earth moving machinery like draglines, shovel dumper combination, surface miners etc. According to Goyal, CIL deploys load haul dumper or side discharge loaders in underground mines. Similarly, long wall mining has also been introduced in some mines and work order has been issued for development of five underground mines through long wall technology in Bharat Coking Coal Limited and Eastern Coalfields Limited, the minister said. The government is also exploring ways for the upgradation of technology in CIL mines. A research team has submitted its report and the same is under examination for implementation. As per the provision of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015, the government has appointed Coal Controller as Commissioner of Payments. The move will streamline the coal supply to various thermal power plants. The Coal Regulatory Authority Bill, 2013 that was introduced in the Lok Sabha has lapsed with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in May last year. However, a proposal for re-introducing the same in the Lok Sabha is under consideration for further inter-ministerial consultations, the minister said. The bill is aimed at regulating and conserving resources in the coal sector and protecting the interest of consumers and producers of coal. Meanwhile, the minister flagged off National Thermal Power Corporation's (NTPC) Mobile Science Labs to create awareness among underprivileged students in rural India. NTPC, the largest power utility of the country, is introducing Mobile Science Lab (MSL) -- a vehicle fitted with LCD TV carrying working Science Models emphasizing curiosity-based learning for children in rural India. It is an initiative to revolutionize rural education and make hands-on learning accessible amongst underprivileged children, a government statement said.