New Delhi, 14/12/2024: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy reaffirmed India’s continued reliance on coal-based power at a major industry event on Thursday. Speaking at the launch of the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, the minister underlined the central role coal continues to play in the country’s energy mix. Stressing its importance, he remarked, “Power is not possible without coal, and life is not possible without power,” emphasizing that coal remains indispensable for meeting India’s rising energy requirements.
Reddy drew attention to the global scenario, noting that several nations are currently facing power shortages that have slowed their pace of development. By contrast, India has successfully avoided such a crisis, a feat he attributed to the country’s sustained focus on coal-based power generation. He highlighted that this strategy has shielded India from disruptions and placed it on a stronger footing to meet economic and industrial needs.
Looking ahead, the minister expressed confidence in India’s ability to achieve its ambitious coal production target for the fiscal year 2024–25. The government is aiming to produce 1,080 million tonnes of coal, a milestone that, if achieved, will mark a significant step forward in ensuring energy security and reducing external dependence.
Reddy also called for urgent measures to cut down on coal imports, especially for steel and power projects. He appealed to industries reliant on imported coal to explore the possibility of transitioning to domestically sourced coal. According to him, such a shift would not only strengthen India’s self-reliance but also reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
In a major step toward boosting domestic production, the government has placed 27 coal mines on offer in the current auction round. Of these, 20 blocks—split equally between fully explored and partially explored—are open for bidding. Furthermore, seven additional mines are being re-offered from the second attempt of the 10th auction round. As per official estimates, the mines offered in this phase could generate annual revenue of nearly ₹1,446 crore at peak-rated capacity.
This latest initiative is part of the government’s broader roadmap to strengthen India’s energy security and accelerate economic growth. By increasing domestic output, cutting down imports, and unlocking new mining opportunities, policymakers aim to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of coal to power industries, infrastructure, and households alike. With rising energy demand across sectors, Reddy stressed that coal will continue to be the backbone of India’s energy ecosystem for the foreseeable future.
