India’s Coal Production and Dispatch Surge in 2024-25
The Ministry of Coal reported a substantial increase in coal production for the fiscal year 2024-25. By September 12, 2024, production reached 411.62 million tonnes (MT), a 5.85% rise from the 388.86 MT produced during the same period last year.
Despite facing adverse climatic conditions, the coal sector showed remarkable resilience. Coal India Limited (CIL), a major player in the sector, saw its production rise to 311 MT, a 2.80% increase from the previous year’s 302.53 MT.
Coal dispatch also improved significantly, reaching 442.24 MT, a 4.97% increase from the 421.29 MT dispatched during the same period last year. The coal supplied to power plants increased by 4.03%, amounting to 362.65 MT.
As of September 12, 2024, coal stock held by coal companies surged to 76.49 MT, a 49.07% growth compared to last year. Domestic coal-based thermal power plants reported a coal stock of 36.58 MT, representing a 43.68% growth.
These statistics highlight the coal sector’s critical role in meeting India’s growing energy demands and its commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.
Doubts Revealed
Coal Production -: Coal production refers to the process of mining coal from the earth. Coal is a black or brownish-black rock that is used as a fuel to generate electricity and heat.
Million Tonnes -: A million tonnes is a unit of weight. One tonne is equal to 1,000 kilograms. So, a million tonnes is 1,000,000 kilograms.
Ministry of Coal -: The Ministry of Coal is a part of the Indian government responsible for managing the production and distribution of coal in India.
Coal India Limited -: Coal India Limited is a large company owned by the Indian government. It is the biggest coal-producing company in the world.
Coal Dispatch -: Coal dispatch refers to the process of sending coal from the mines to places where it is needed, like power plants and factories.
Climatic Conditions -: Climatic conditions refer to the weather patterns in a particular area. Adverse climatic conditions mean bad weather, like heavy rains or extreme heat, which can make it difficult to mine coal.
Energy Demands -: Energy demands refer to the amount of energy needed by people and industries to run their daily activities, like using electricity for lights, fans, and machines.
