New Delhi [India], July 20 (ANI): Minister of State for Power Shripad Yesso Naik, in response to a question in the upper house, informed that the country has adequate coal reserves. In a written reply to a member's question, the minister stated that, 'As on July 12, 42.8 Million Tonnes (MT) coal stock is available at the Thermal Power Plants, sufficient for 14 days at 85% Plant Load Factor (PLF).'

'The coal (including Lignite) based generation capacity in the country is about 230.8 GW and its share in the total electricity supplied from April to June 2026 is 69.54 %. Further, the maximum generation achieved from such power plants is about 188.8 GW (around 75% of the total generation - 251.4 GW) during non-solar peak demand hours,' reads the written answer.

The minister also informed the house that 'sufficient coal is being received by the Thermal power Plants at present to meet the daily demands. The scheduled maintenance of thermal units is planned by taking into consideration the demand scenario for different months. It is a standard practice to minimise scheduled maintenance during the peak months. CEA further monitors & permits deferment on a case-by-case basis based on the technical parameters of the plant if increased demand necessitates it.'

'To integrate renewable energy sources in the electricity grid, the Central Electricity Authority (Flexible Operation of Coal-based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023, have been notified on 30.01.2023, which mandate all coal-based thermal power generating units to achieve a minimum technical level of 40% as per the phasing plan specified by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) from time to time,' he said.

He also stated that the Government of India has taken various initiatives to ensure uninterrupted thermal power generation during peak demand periods. 'During FY 2025-26, 9,470 MW of thermal capacity has been added, and a further 2,260 MW has been commissioned during the current Financial Year. Coal supply to the Thermal Power Plants is presently being monitored daily through a joint committee of the Ministry of Power, Railways and Ministry of Coal.'

'Priority to coal rakes and coal dispatch to power houses has also been accorded. Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) comprising the Chairman, Railway Board; the Secretary, Ministry of Coal and the Secretary, Ministry of Power is being held regularly to closely review coal supplies to Thermal Power Plants.

About 2,669 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) & 7,426 MW of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) have been commissioned to date to supplement the power generation by the thermal plants during the non-solar hours. These Energy Storage Systems (BESS / PSP) store the excess power generated during solar hours and utilise the stored electricity primarily during non-solar hours.' reads the written answer. (ANI)