Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized India’s continued focus on coal-based power during an event on Thursday. Speaking at the launch of the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, Reddy highlighted the critical role of coal in the country’s energy landscape. He stated, “Power is not possible without coal, and life is not possible without power,” underscoring the indispensable nature of coal in meeting India’s energy needs.
Reddy pointed out that while some countries are grappling with power shortages that hinder their growth, India has managed to avoid such a crisis. This resilience is largely attributed to the strategic emphasis on coal-based power. Highlighting the ambitious coal production target for the current fiscal year, Reddy expressed confidence that India would achieve a production of 1080 million tonnes of coal in 2024-25.
The minister also stressed the need to reduce coal imports for both power and steel projects. He urged imported coal-based steel and power projects to explore opportunities for switching to domestic coal. This move is expected to bolster India’s self-reliance in energy resources and reduce the dependency on imported coal.
In a significant move to boost domestic coal production, the government has offered 27 coal mines in the latest auction round. Out of these, 20 coal mines are available for bidding, with an equal split between fully explored and partially explored blocks. Additionally, seven coal mines from the second attempt of round 10 are being offered. The government expects these mines to generate annual revenue of approximately ₹1,446 crore at peak-rated capacity, according to an official statement.
This initiative is part of the broader strategy to enhance India’s energy security and support the country’s economic growth. By increasing domestic coal production and reducing reliance on imports, India aims to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of energy to meet its growing demand.
