Domestic coal-based power generation increased by 7.14 per cent to 872 billion units (BU) in the April-December period of the current financial year 2023-24. The increase in domestic coal-based power generation reflects adequate supply of coal to meet the growing energy demand in the country, the Coal Ministry said in a statement.

Domestic coal-based power generation stood at 813.9 BU in the year-ago period. In the country, electricity is generated from conventional sources – thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric and renewable sources – wind, solar, biomass etc. Thermal power producers use coal as the main fuel to run the units and dry fuel contributes more than 70%. Percentage of total electricity production.

The ministry said coal-based power generation in the country registered a growth of about 10.13 per cent during the April-December period of FY24 compared to the same period last year, while the total power generation increased by 6.71 per cent during the same period. . The statement said. Despite rising power demand, coal imports for blending declined by 40.66 per cent to 17.08 MT during the April-December period of the current financial year from 28.78 MT in the same period last year.

“This reflects the country’s commitment to self-reliance in coal production and reducing overall coal imports,” it said.

Coal-based power generation has played an important role in meeting India’s energy demands. The country is experiencing a substantial increase in demand for electricity due to a combination of factors such as industrial growth, technological advancement, population growth and economic development.