Centre has coal reserves for 80 days of power generation says Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday said India has adequate coal reserves to support power generation for the next 80 days, ensuring energy security even during the monsoon season when mining operations may face disruptions.

Speaking about the achievements of the NDA government since 2014, Reddy said the Centre has built sufficient coal stocks following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directions to prevent any shortage in electricity generation. He added that despite potential monsoon-related challenges, the country is well-prepared to meet its energy requirements.

The minister highlighted that India is actively exploring critical mineral reserves and has initiated exploration work in mineral blocks acquired in Argentina. He said production from these overseas assets is expected to begin at the earliest. The government has also started auctioning explored critical mineral blocks and is encouraging private companies to import processed and semi-processed critical minerals.

Reddy noted that the government has identified 143 abandoned coal mines for scientific closure, with the process expected to be completed by 2028. He also said reforms introduced over the past 12 years have helped India achieve record annual coal production of 1,040 million tonnes.

According to the minister, India is now the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of coal and possesses the fifth-largest coal reserves globally. He added that nearly 70 per cent of the country's electricity is generated using coal and asserted that there is currently no power shortage anywhere in India.

Reddy further said the results of ongoing coal gasification projects are expected within the next two years. The Centre recently approved a ₹37,500-crore incentive scheme to promote coal gasification, a technology that converts coal into syngas for producing cleaner fuels, fertilisers, chemicals and hydrogen, while reducing dependence on imports.