RAICHUR: The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) run by the government with an aim to quell power crisis that may loom large over the state in summer will invite a global tender to purchase coal.
The state government, which has been facing coal shortage, is managing the situation now, with the arrival of fresh coal stocks. However, a crisis may occur during summer as there will be shortage of coal in power plants across the country.
KPCL managing director G Kumar Nayak talking to TNIE said the corporation will call a global tender before the commencement of summer season to purchase 5 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of coal. This coal from foreign companies can be mixed with Indian coal and it can be used in state-run thermal power plants.
Nayak, however, did not elaborate much on the crisis to be faced in February. But sources in the KPCL say there may be a massive shortage of coal in summer. “The present crisis was only restricted to Karnataka, while in the hot season, the crisis will be felt across the nation. The demand for power will be high in the season,” he said.
Chief Minister Kumaraswamy had, in fact, a few days ago admitted to facing shortage of coal. G Kumar Nayak said the chief secretary has written to the Coal Ministry and even the CM spoke to the Centre to mitigate the crisis. As a result of this, the coal supply has increased a little bit. In an optimistic note, Kumar Nayak said,“The situation is improving day-by-day because of high coal supply and in a few days, more coal can be stocked in the stockyards of thermal power plants.”
“We have requested more coal from Western Collieries Limited, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited for the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS). Around six racks of coal will arrive soon. On Sunday, five racks arrived,” Nayak informed. He added this small crisis kind of situation was handled well by effectively using solar and wind energy. With the help of green energy, the state could manage this problem, he added.
The state needs 6,500-10,000 megawatt of power daily. And in the summer time, the demand may go up to 12,000 megawatt. In order to meet the demand, the state will be going for a global tender to purchase coal.
“This global tender will help resolve the problem,” sources added.