New Delhi, December 19 (HS): Coal-based power generation in the country has increased by 3.87 percent in the first seven months of the current financial year 2024-25, April-October, as compared to the same period of the previous financial year. This increase underlines the ongoing efforts to promote self-sufficiency in coal production while reducing dependence on imports.

The Ministry of Coal said on Wednesday that coal-based power generation from April to October this year has registered an increase of 3.87 percent as compared to the same period of the previous financial year. During the same period, there has been a 19.5 percent decline in imports for blending by thermal power plants. This decline emphasizes the country's commitment to achieve self-sufficiency in coal production and reduce dependence on imports.

The ministry said that coal imports declined by 3.1 per cent to 149.3 million tonnes during the April-October period of the current financial year from 154.1 million tonnes in the same period of the previous financial year. In addition, the non-regulated sector (other than electricity) witnessed a decline of 8.8 per cent during April-October as compared to the same period of the previous financial year.

The increase in coal imports for the power sector is attributed to the import of coal by imported coal-based power plants (designed to use only imported coal). During this period, 30 million tonnes of coal was imported, which is 38.4 per cent more than 21.7 million tonnes during the same period of the previous financial year 2023-24.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar