India’s Coal Production and Supply Increase in 2024 Despite August Dip
India produced 384.07 million tonnes (MT) of coal from April to August 2024, marking a 6.36% increase from 361.11 MT in the same period the previous year, according to the Ministry of Coal. However, coal production in August 2024 slightly decreased to 62.67 MT from 67.76 MT in August 2023.
Despite short-term variations in August due to above-normal precipitation, the overall trend from April to August 2024 shows positive growth. Coal supply during this period reached 412.69 MT, a 5.17% increase compared to 392.40 MT in the same period last year. In August 2024, coal supply fell slightly to 69.94 MT from 75.19 MT in August 2023.
Supplying coal to the power sector remains a priority. From April to August 2024, supply to the power sector was 338.75 MT, a 4.13% increase from 325.33 MT in the same period last year. In August 2024, supply to the power sector was 58.07 MT, slightly lower than 61.43 MT in August 2023.
As of August 31, 2024, coal stock levels at thermal power plants increased significantly to 37.18 MT, a 32.08% growth compared to 28.15 MT on the same day in 2023. These results reflect the Ministry of Coal’s commitment to ensuring stable coal production and supply to meet the country’s energy needs while addressing operational challenges.
Doubts Revealed
Coal Production -: Coal production means the process of mining coal from the ground. Coal is a black or brownish-black rock that is used as a fuel to produce electricity and heat.
Million Tonnes -: A million tonnes is a way to measure weight. One tonne is equal to 1,000 kilograms. So, a million tonnes is 1,000,000 kilograms.
Thermal Power Plants -: Thermal power plants are places where electricity is made by burning coal or other fuels to produce heat, which then turns water into steam. The steam spins a turbine connected to a generator to make electricity.
Ministry of Coal -: The Ministry of Coal is a part of the Indian government that is responsible for managing the production and supply of coal in the country. They make sure there is enough coal for energy needs.
