India’s coal import rose by 106% in 2022/23 to 55,634.8 tonnes, up from the 26,998 tonnes reported for 2021/2022. These figures include both public and private sector imports for thermal plants. The statistics were released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
In India, imported coal is used in one of two ways by thermal power plants: either as a primary source or blended with local coal. The latter approach is normal at all thermal plants owned by either the federal or state governments. However, many private power plants use only imported coal.
In a statement released by the CEA, it noted that the significant increase was a function of higher demand that could not be met solely by Coal India. As a result, the central government had advised power generators to import coal and blend it with locally sourced supplies. Previously, blended coal accounted for 6% of the total, but in the last financial year this rose to 20%, given local shortages.
The current financial year is also expected to see more coal imports as the power demand continues to increase, with thermal plants, for the second year in a row, running at full capacity.
Plants will operate at full capacity throughout April to June given widespread use of air conditioners in offices and houses, which analysts say will dramatically increase India’s already sky-high greenhouse gas emissions.