No power supply disruption due to high demand; will not hesitate to import coal: RK Singh

Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday exuded confidence that there will be no disruption in electricity supply due to high demand during summer, and he will not hesitate to import coal and mandate thermal plants to run at full capacity for the purpose.

The Indian power system has already met a record power demand of 211.6 GW in June 2022. During the current year 2023, the power demand is expected to be around 225 GW during summer, Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Asked about rising power demand, Singh told reporters in a press conference, ''We are prepared. There is no question of being a disruption in supply if I need to import coal I will import it. If I need to blend, I will blend''.

He explained that blending (of imported coal) has been happening earlier and so he has no hesitation at all in blending.

Singh assured that there is not going to be any shortage of coal. He stated that as far as section 11 is concerned if there is a need ...then I will do (impose) that. In May 2022, the Ministry of Power issued a directive under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, stating that all imported coal-based power plants shall operate and generate power at their full capacity to meet the growing demand.

As per the directive, all states and power-generating companies (gencos) based on domestic coal were mandated to import at least 10 per cent of their fuel requirement for blending with domestic coal for meeting the growing demand for electricity.

The directive by the ministry was valid till October 31, 2022.

Singh also briefed the media on the First Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting to be held in Bengaluru on February 5 to 7. He said India is hosting the prestigious G20 summit this year, the premier forum for international cooperation. The G20 members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP (gross domestic product), over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

The priority areas for the Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) include Energy Transition through Addressing Technology Gaps; Low-cost Financing for Energy Transition; Energy Security and Diversified Supply Chains; Energy Efficiency, Industrial Low Carbon Transitions and Responsible Consumption; Fuels for Future (3F) and Universal Access to Clean Energy and Just, Affordable, and Inclusive Energy Transition Pathways.

Giving details of the events, Singh said that the Energy Transitions Working Group while retaining focus on achieving energy transition, will emphasise addressing technology gaps and financing to ensure that it is delivered across countries in a time-bound and affordable manner without compromising the energy needs of the communities.

On the sidelines, a high-level international seminar on 'Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)' has been organised at the first ETWG. The seminar will focus on highlighting the importance of carbon capture, utilisation and storage considered vital for achieving net-zero targets.

To set the agenda and identify action areas for the planned Energy Transition Ministerial Meeting (ETMM), the ETWG will conduct four working group meetings. India is hosting 150+ delegates from 19 countries, European Union and 9 guest countries. In addition, leading International Organisations, Regional Organisations and knowledge partners will be part of the meeting.

India’s G20 Presidency will share, collaborate and build on the sense of trusteeship among the member countries to help build a sustainable future for all.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)