India to cross 1 billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25: Govt sources

India is on track to exceed 1 billion tonnes of coal production in the current financial year 2024-25, government sources told CNBC-TV18.With less than 12 days remaining in the fiscal, the milestone is expected to be achieved through strict action against coal pilferage and higher production from existing mines, particularly the Gevra and Kusmunda mines in Chhattisgarh, which rank among the largest coal mines globally.India is currently the world’s second-largest coal producer and, apart from China, will be the only country to cross the 1 billion tonnes mark in annual coal output.While the country continues to import coal to meet peak summer power demand, the government aims to make India self-sufficient in coal by 2026 through increased domestic production and expanded electricity generation from renewable sources.With the onset of summer, power demand has already begun to rise in several regions and is expected to increase further as temperatures climb. As of today, coal stocks at power plants stand at 49 million tonnes, sufficient for 21 days of consumption.Also read: Coal India inks MoU with Ministry of Mines to bolster critical minerals technologyThe peak power demand for 2025 has been projected at 273 GW. To mitigate reliance on coal and reduce exposure to volatile global prices, the government has been ramping up its focus on renewable energy for power generation.Additionally, recent rainfall and snowfall in North India may temporarily lower coal demand by delaying the use of air-conditioning and increasing water availability in reservoirs, which could support higher hydropower generation during peak periods.(Edited by : Sheersh Kapoor)

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