Coal Availability for Thermal Power Plants in India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Minister of State for Power informed Rajya Sabha about the current status of coal availability for thermal power plants, highlighting that as of July 12, 2026, coal stocks of 42.8 million tonnes are sufficient for 14 days at 85% PLF. This comes amid concerns over energy security and the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
Background
India's coal-based power capacity is about 230.8 GW, contributing 69.54% of total electricity supplied from April to June 2026. The government has been taking steps to ensure adequate coal supply and promote flexible operation of thermal plants to accommodate renewable energy.
Key facts
India's coal (including lignite) based power capacity is ~230.8 GW.
Coal-based plants contributed 69.54% of total electricity supplied from April to June 2026.
Maximum generation from coal plants during non-solar peak hours was ~188.8 GW (75% of total 251.4 GW).
As of July 12, 2026, coal stock at thermal plants is 42.8 million tonnes, sufficient for 14 days at 85% PLF.
Daily coal supply is adequate to meet current demand.
Scheduled maintenance of thermal units is planned considering monthly demand; maintenance is minimized during peak months.
CEA monitors and allows deferral of maintenance if needed based on technical parameters.
The CEA (Flexible Operation of Coal-based Thermal Power Generation Units) Regulations, 2023 mandate a minimum 40% technical minimum load for all coal-based units.
9,470 MW thermal capacity added in FY 2025-26; 2,260 MW added in current fiscal year.
About 2,669 MW BESS and 7,426 MW PSP have been installed to supplement thermal generation during non-solar hours.
Prelims pointers
- Coal-based power capacity: ~230.8 GW
- Coal share in electricity: 69.54% (Apr-Jun 2026)
- Coal stock: 42.8 MT (as on 12 Jul 2026)
- Sufficiency: 14 days at 85% PLF
- CEA (Flexible Operation) Regulations, 2023
- Minimum technical load: 40%
- BESS: Battery Energy Storage System
- PSP: Pumped Storage Project
- Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for coal supply review
- Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways
Mains angles
- Discuss the challenges and measures for ensuring coal availability for thermal power plants in India.
- Critically examine the role of thermal power in India's energy mix and its integration with renewable energy.
- Analyze the government's initiatives to enhance energy security and grid stability through coal and storage systems.