State-owned NTPC plans to become India’s second largest coal producer after Coal India to ensure long-term fuel security for its power plants.
Confirming the development, Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC told The Hindu , “We plan to produce over 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of coal from the 11 coal blocks allocated to us, making us India’s second-largest coal producer in the coming years.”
Last year, Coal India had produced 606 million tonnes of coal and had targeted a milestone of one billion tonnes by 2025.
NTPC had been allotted 11 coal blocks — Pakri-Barwadih, Chatti Bariatu, Kerandari, Dulanga, Talaipalli, Bhalumuda, Banai, Mandakani-B, Banhardih Kundanali-Luburi (in JV with Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation) and Badam Coal Block with geological coal reserves of more than 7.3 billion tonnes and a production potential of 113 MTPA.
“This year, we will produce 8-9 MTPA of coal and gradually scale it to over 100 MTPA in phases. Coal is something that continues to bother us. There will always be an issue with respect to coal. However, in the last quarter, we didn’t lose on power generation due to coal non-availability,” said Mr. Singh.
NTPC needs over 160 MTPA of coal for fuelling its 41,580-MW power capacity.
NTPC had received a supply of 176.10 million metric tonnes (MMT) of coal during FY19.
“This year, hydro-generation is expected to be better and with increasing renewables, I think the pressure on coal would be less,” said Mr. Singh.
NTPC had so far spent ₹6,245 crore on mining activities.
