Coal stock of just a day, state stares at power crisis ahead of festivals

K'taka has only 25K tonnes of coal, can't generate power at all thermal units

It’s time to switch on only the essential lights and fans because the coal stock in Karnataka will last just a day.

A senior official in the Energy Department told DH on condition of anonymity: “The situation is very critical. We have coal stock that will last us not more than a day and if we continue like this, then we will have no coal left to generate power for the coming days when the consumption will increase. The matter was also discussed at the board meeting recently.”

As per the national norms, based on the distance from coal mines and transport hazards, the state should have the stock for at least 15 days.

Karnataka’s daily coal requirement is 52,000 tonnes. The Raichur Thermal Power Station, with eight units, has the total capacity of 1,720 MW. For all the units to generate at full capacity, 30,000 tonnes of coal is required a day. Similarly, the Ballari Thermal Power Station with an installed capacity of 1,700 MW requires 22,000 tonnes of coal a day. So, Karnataka needs 52,000 tonnes of coal every day for full capacity utilisation. But the present stock is a mere 25,000 tonnes.

The official added: “This is the first time ever that the state is facing such a grim situation. Last year, despite the drought, there were no problems as coal stocks were adequate. But this time, despite the bountiful rainfall, the power situation could turn grim from September-end as power will be needed for festivals, industrial, domestic and irrigation purposes. We are also worried what will happen if there is a rail accident near Raichur or any other place. The coal supply will be hit drastically. The current situation is scary and the government ought to take note of it. It would be difficult to restart the entire thermal power station once it’s fully shut.”

Energy Department officials say the situation is grim across India as coal production has been hit. Alternative sources, however, have not been examined by the Centre as some states are better off than Karnataka.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) guidelines describe 30 days of coal stock as healthy. Even 10 days of coal stock would be a comfortable situation. Power stations having less than three days of coal stock are categorised into the ‘supercritical’ zone.

Karnataka and some other states have reduced coal stocks as is evident from the statistics published by the CEA.