NEW DELHI: Coal inventories have fallen to critical levels at dozens of Indian power stations as high electricity demand continues to put pressure on the country’s power system.
Government data showed 59 coal-fired plants had critically low stocks as of September 9, meaning inventories were below 25% of required levels or sufficient for less than roughly three days of generation.
Electricity demand has remained close to record levels during an extended period of hot weather.
Authorities have responded by increasing coal transportation. The number of coal-carrying railway rakes deployed reached 444 on September 6, while Coal India has also increased road deliveries.
Solar generation is helping meet daytime electricity needs, but limited energy-storage capacity means coal remains particularly important when renewable generation falls.
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