The state is set to receive five lakh tonnes of Grade-11 coal amidst soaring power consumption driven by unseasonal heat and increased agricultural demand. This supply is expected to significantly improve power generation.
The coal, procured under window-2 auctions from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) in Odisha and South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) in Chhattisgarh, is expected to be lifted next week.
Officials stated that this consignment comprises Grade-11 coal, which is superior to the G-18, G-13, and G-12 grades currently being supplied to thermal stations in the state.
With power demand continuing to climb due to hot weather conditions and the impact of El Nino, the government's immediate focus is on improving generation at YTPS, where coal constraints have prevented the plant from operating at full capacity.
Officials clarified that this five lakh tonnes is a temporary arrangement. The state government has already attempted to secure coal allocation from Mahanadi coal mines through a coal linkage agreement.
This coal supply is crucial for addressing the state's escalating power demand, particularly to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the agricultural sector.
