CCAI Monthly Newsletter - December-22

From the Editor’s Desk

As the world ushers in 2023, coal continues to remain key in alleviating worldwide energy crisis. According to Coal 2022, the IEA’s annual market report on the sector,the world’s coal consumption is likely to remain at similar levels in the coming years in the absence of greater efforts made to expedite the transition to clean energy. As per current market trends, coal demand is expected to decline below 2022 levels, while global coal- fired power generation is set to rise to a new record of around 10.3 terawatt hours.

The international coal market remained robust in 2022, with coal demand for power generation hitting a new record. The shipbroker Intermodal in a report said that China’s coal imports from January to October were 230.1m mt, a decrease of around 10.7% y-o-y (2021 totaled 323.2m mt). In the coming years, the seaborne thermal coal scenario is likely to witness a jump in demand by 3%-4% globally in 2023, but production may not match up to that scale as the unwillingness of banks to fund coal projects, the after-math of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are still seen as strong impediments.

Coal, one of the primary fossil fuels is regaining its role in the volatile energy market and looking at sustaining its position in the global market. Consumption is also likely to remain at high levels until 2025, as demands are expected to increase in advanced economies and Asian markets like India. Yet another positive development observed in the last few months of 2022 was that the supply-side concerns about coal eased, and the challenges that affected the coal output due to unfavorable weather were combated and brought under control.

Meanwhile, India, the second largest producer and consumer of coal, will continue to be significantly dependent on coal in the near to medium term. A welcoming report by CareEdge Ratings stated that India’s coal requirement will likely hit 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030 and to meet this, the country will have to put an effort towards scaling up its production. In a bid to meet the increasing demand, national miner Coal India Ltd (CIL) has identified 30 closed coal mines with substantial coking and non- coking coal. The purpose is to increase production which will be further supported by the gradual commissioning of the captive and commercial coal mines auctioned by the government.

Coal production of CIL during 2021-22 were 622.634 MT (Provisional) with a positive growth of 4.43%. SCCL production of coal during 2021-22 was 65.022 MT (Provisional) with a positive growth of 28.55%. Captive and others witnessed a 32.13% growth during April – Nov, 2022- 23.The estimated projection of domestic coal supply putting together CIL,SCCL,Captive and other mines is expected togrow 33% to 1304 MT. After observing the current developments and forecasts, it is needless to say that coal is here to stay for a long time to power the future.

Vol. LI No. 09 December 2022

Official Organ of the Coal Consumers’ Association of India. Disseminates News and Views on Coal and all other sources of Energy.

4, India Exchange Place - 7th Floor

Kolkata - 700 001 Landline : +91 33 22304488

E-mail : sec.ccai@gmail.com Website : www.ccai.co.in

Editor : Subhasri Nandi

Annual Subscription Rs. 400/(including postage)

MO/DD to be made in favour of “Coal Consumers’ Association of India”

CCAI do not necessarily share or support the views expressed in this Publication.

CONSUMERS’ PAGE

Issues of both Power & NRS

Consumers: Consumers' views on Mode Agnostic Single-Window Auction:

The decision to conduct Single Window Modeagnostic Auction will be beneficial for the consumers in terms of offered quantity as the entire quantity in excess to FSA commitment will be put in a single basket for offering in auction. Also, this auction will bring a market driven uniform price for all grades of coaland will facilitate the process of migrating coal sector to market determined prices.However, the Single window Auction will bring in coal traders and consumers on the same auction platform which may lead to some disadvantages for the coal consumers as listed below:

* The objective of procuring coal through e-auction by consumers and traders is juxtaposing each other. Special Forward and Exclusive e-Auctions had been initiated considering that consumers may not get equal standing in auctions combining traders. Therefore, absence of these auctions may lead to a lack of coal supply for many consumers.

* Sourcing coal over and above linkage quantity through single window auction is likely to be more costly making the cost of power generation dearer.

*The cost of power generation plays a vital role in merit order of the plant and any increase in cost of generation due to excessive cost of coal in an auction will adversely affect scheduling of the plant for generation.

* securing coal through a single window auction will not ensure the required quantity of coal supply to the industrial plants as the unlifted quantity will lapse after 45 days in case of road mode supply and after three months in case of supply through rail.

* In Single-window Mode-Agnostic auction, the default mode of supply is via rail. However, rake movement for the Non-power Sector has been restricted over the last 8-9 months. Therefore, procuring coal via the said auction may lead the NRS consumers to uncertainty unless the supply of coal rakes for the Industries normalises.

Submission has been made to the Ministry of Coal and CIL to continue with the previous e-Auction policies such as Special Forward e-Auction for Power Sector, Exclusive e-Auction for the Non-power Sector and Spot e-Auction for all sectors including traders.

Issues faced by Power Sector Consumers:

Submission by Power Sector requesting refund of Ad-valorem charges in credit notes against grade slippage:

A number of Power Sector consumers have pointed out that Ad-valorem taxes such as Royalty, DMF, NMET, etc. paid by them along with advance coal value are not included in the credit notes issued by respective coal companies. It may be noted that combining all the ad-valorem taxes amounts to a significant portion of the total coal cost paid by the Power Generators towards procurement.

Request has been made to MoC so that all CIL subsidiaries may include these amounts related to Royalty and Ad-valorem taxes during the issuance of credit notes against grade slippage.

Submission by Power Sector regarding refund of differential GST amounts

along with reimbursement for idle freight:

A number of Subsidiary Coal Companies of CIL such as ECL and CCL are providing refunds against idle freight along with GST components charged by the Railways. However, some of our valued member companies from the Power Sector have stated that certain CIL Subsidiaries – MCL, SECL & WCL are not providing refunds of differential GST amounts while providing reimbursement for idle freights.

As the Generators are paying freight charges to Railways alongwith GST, non-refund of such significant amounts for an indefinite period is leading severe financial losses for these utilities. Therefore, intervention of MoC and CIL is requested so that differential GST amounts may be refunded to all CUIL Subsidiaries while providing refunds on account of underloading.

Issues faced by NRS Consumers:

Request for condoning Tranche V

Sponge Iron Sector customers whose LoIs were canceled, to allow them to participate in Tranche-VI of the same sub-sector:

Some of the Sponge-iron sector consumers have been debarred from participating in the upcoming linkage auction tranche for the Nonpower Sector for non-signing of FSAs (TrancheV) with the subsidiaries in spite of being successful bidders.

*The consumers had submitted the requisite bank guarantees within the stipulated time in addition to the bid security as per the scheme document but they were not in a position to sign the FSA due to a sudden drop in production, supply chain disruption, and economic downturn following the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 during that period.

*During the period of signing of FSAs, no direct clause of debarment was in vogue as per the scheme document of Sponge-iron Sub-sector (Tr-V). The decision was left to the discretion of CIL as per 5.5.2(c) and 5.5.3 of the FSA.

* The consumers who have not signed the FSA with the respective subsidiaries have also compensated the seller through forfeiture of their security deposits as well as process fee by the respective coal companies. So debarring them from participating in the upcoming Tranche will be doubly penalising them for not being able to sign the FSAs.

*The NRS Linkage auction for Sponge-iron sector is being conducted after a prolonged gap of three years. If the Subsequent tranches after Tranche-V were conducted at regular intervals, then these consumers would have faced the consequence long ago.

Request has been made to MoC and CIL to condone these consumers only once considering the pandemic situation and allow them to participate in Tranche VI Linkage Auction for Sponge Iron Sector.

* Many coal blocks allotted to the industries are under either Captive or Commercial Sale regime which is under various stages of development. Therefore it is requested to re-introduce a twoyear lock-in period so that the bidder has option to exit from the Linkage Auction FSA when they achieve peak rated capacities from their mines.

* Request has been made to eliminate the policy of submitting 7 days equivalent coal value and 10 days equivalent coal value BG to the respective coal companies in case of Railway supplies where payment has been made through LC.

* Request has been made to consider existing Syn-gas and producer gas plants under the newly formed sub-sector for Coal Gasification so as to participate within Tranche-VI Linkage auction. Also, CIMFR may be asked to revise the Norms for CGP-based DRIs and also formulate a new Norm for Gasification units producing Syn-Gas for distribution or making downstream chemicals under the newly formed Coal Gasification Sub-Sector under NRS..

Appeal by NRS Consumers to increase supply of coal via rail mode:

Suggestions of NRS consumers on Tranche-VI NRS Linkage Auction, raised at the Pre-Linkage auction consumer conference:

Following requests have been collated and conveyed to MoC and CIL on Tranche-VI NRS Linkage Auction:

*Request to review proposal for limiting validity of allotted rakes to 90 days amid ongoing coal supply crunch to NRS as supply of coal via rail mode is still meagre. On many occasions, supply of the allotted quantity is taking more than 180 days for rail mode and 120 days for Railcum-Road (RcR) mode. At this rate, a proposal to limit the validity of rakes to 90 days would lead to lapsing of several rakes for the NRS and lead to an acute coal shortage.

In spite of noticeable improvement compared to previous months, the coal supply scenario to the Non-power Sector, especially via rail mode, is still languishing far below the required level. Owing to severe curtailment of coal supply via rakes, many Industries including continuous process plants had to convert the mode of supply from rail to road in order to sustain their plant operations. Converting rail quantity to road offtake may often lead to a higher premium for coal which may be more than the premium paid to CIL for supply via rail mode.

Request has been made to MoC and CIL so that the number of rake supplied to the NRS consumers may be increased at the earliest possible.

It is also requested that in line with the modalities of the mode-agnostic single-window auc-

tion, Rail to Road conversion may be considered without change in premium so that the consumers do not have to bear the additional expenditure.

Request to commence Tranche-VI NRS Linkage Auction for Sponge-iron sub-sector after 4-5 days from the scheduled date:

The consumers only had four working days to complete the necessary formalities as the scheme document and offer Schedule of the Tranche-VI Linkage Auction has been released on evening 16.12.2022 and the scheduled date for the commencement of auction was on 23.12.2022.

Request has been made to CIL to postpone the auction commencement date by 4-5 days so that the interested consumers may take part in the upcoming tranche.

Subsidiaries like WCL, MCL, CCL and NCL as the current offer is much lower than the quantity of coal required from these areas.

Issue related to Railways:

Submission by coal consumers for consideration in the change of policy for coal programming of rakes under Priority ‘C’ and ‘D’ for the year 2023:

In reference to the meeting conducted by the Office of the Director of Eastern Railway on 02.12.22, regarding coal programming policyrelated issues for 2023 under Priority ‘C’ and ‘D’, following suggestions have been given for the change in requisite policy guidelines:

* Request has been made to incorporate a provision in the software system so that coal companies can provide their lifting certification online against the online submitted programs.

Submission by consumers from Sponge-iron sub-sector to increase the offer of coal from various CIL Subsidiaries in Tranche-VI NRS Linkage Auction:

It has been pointed out by many consumers from the Sponge-iron Sector that offer of coal from different CIL Subsidiaries in the upcoming linkage auction is less than the quantity required for smooth functioning of their plants.

Following requests have been made by the consumers to increase coal offers from different CIL Subsidiaries in the Tranche-VI Linkage Auction:

a. It is requested to increase the offered quantity from ECL to at least 5 lakh tonnes.

b. It is requested by consumers from the sector to double the offered quantity of coal from

* As per the guidelines for outward booking of non-programmed coal from nominated goods sheds/sidings/PFTs under Priority-D during the year 2022, at present the consumer is required to apply manually along with all coal documents for such quantity. Their application may include residual coal against previous coal programmes in their credit. Request has been made for provisioning for online submission of application for program of balance quantity less than rake size (3894 MT).

* Presently the sanctioned programs are lapsing within 60 days. Consumers have requested that necessary modifications in the policy may kindly be considered so that the program once sanctioned should not lapse and remain valid till it is supplied. .

Coal based power generation registered 16.28% growth in Nov 22

India’s total coal production increased by 11.66% to 75.87 Million Ton (MT) from 67.94 MT during November, 2022 as compared to November 2021. As per the latest figures of the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Ltd (CIL) registered a growth of 12.82 %, whereas Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and captive mines /others registered a growth of 7.84 % and 6.87% respectively.

Of the top 37 mines in coal production as many as 24 mines produced more than 100 per cent and the production of five mines stood between 80 and 100 per cent.

The power utilities despatch has increased by

MAL

3.55% to 62.34 MT during Nov'22 as compared to 60.20 MT the previous year.Coal-based power generation has registered a growth of 16.28% in Nov'22 as compared to Nov'21and overall power generation in Nov'22 has been 14.63% higher than the power generated in Nov'21. Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said the nation's energy security is important and the country would still need around 1.5 billion tonnes of coal even if 50 per cent of energy demand is met through renewable sources. As a result, there was no need to worry about the future of dry fuel, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said. While the total coal production from the domestic sources will be 1 billion tonnes, the total demand would be 1,300-1,400 million tonnes, he added.

The power demand, he said, will double by 2040.Maharashtra Chief Minister EknathShinde said that the state is focused on making Maharashtra mining intensive investor-friendly hub in Vidarbha and Konkan regions.it will encourage mineral-friendly industries in these regions, he added.He made a plea to the coal ministry to start a coal research institute in Maharashtra on similar lines to the one started in Jharkhand. He also said that the re-starting of 20 closed mines in Maharashtra by the Centre has created job opportunities in the region.

We have to achieve sustainability without letting go of energy security. One of the best solutions for this would be gasification. We are also providing incentives in commercial coal mining. This includes 50 per cent as far as revenue sharing is concerned, and an additional Rs 6,000 crore incentive for those want to participate in gasification.

Single-day peak power demand to increase by up to 35,000 MW in April: Power minister

Being a Coal Minister is not easy in any part of the world. There is pressure from the green activists to shut down mines, and there is pressure from the human rights activists to protect the livelihood of coal miners. Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Coal and Mines in India, faces a similar dilemma every day. While he has been very vocal about the fact that coal production and consumption in India will continue to grow for next two decades, he realises that his ministry has to align with the green targets India committed to at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Talking about India’s energy security needs, in an interaction with Outlook Business, Joshi lays out his ministry’s plans to make coal mining sustainable. Edited excerpts:

As the Coal Minister, what is your biggest challenge when it comes to protecting India's energy security? It is important to keep in mind the issue of emission and global warming when looking at energy security. Given the emission target that PM Modi has provided, balancing both is a difficult task, but we have been making progress. While coal gasification is happening on one side, we are also focusing on plantation and reuse of mine water for irrigation. Despite having so much coal reserves in India, we are still having to import from other countries, and I want to stop that. As far as thermal power is concerned, we will stop importing coal by 202425.

The single-day peak demand for power is expected to increase by up to 35,000 MW in April 2023 and the government has started preparations to meet the same, Union minister R K Singh said. Speaking to PTI, the minister for power, new & renewable energy said he is taking up a meeting this evening to review the preparation of the expected demand which will be seen in April next year.

According to official figures, the maximum allIndia power demand met at 2:51 pm in April 2022 was 201.066 GW.The single-day demand is expected to grow by 30,000 MW to 35,000 MW in April, Singh said on the sidelines of the launch of 'Plan on Transmission System for integration of 500-MW non-fossil Fuel Capacity by 2030'."Today, on a daily basis the demand is 20,000 MW-25,000 MW more over the corresponding day last year. The meeting is about what will be the demand in April and how prepared we are to meet that," he said.

Power Secretary Alok Kumar, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Ghanshyam Prasad besides other government officials are part of the meeting, the minister said.

PFC inks pacts with Power Ministry for FY 2022-23

The Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFCL) the largest government owned NBFC and a Maharatna CPSE, struck a deal with the Power Ministry on Tuesday for FY 2022-23 in line with the

We will stop importing Coal for power generation by 2024-25, says Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi

DPE guidelines. PFCL CMD, Ravinder Singh Dhillon, signed the agreement power ministry secretary, Alok Kumar at a brief function attended by Power Ministry, Special Secretaries, Ashish Upadhyaya, Ajay Tewari, Additional Secretary, Piyush Singh, Joint Secretary, PFC’s finance director, Parminder Chopra and PFC project director, Rajiv RanjanJha. Set up in 1986, PFC now is considered the largest government owned NBFC in India.

In 2021, it became the first CPSE to be accorded the prestigious Maharatna status in the financial space. PFC has been showing a strategic shift in its loan portfolio with focus on the renewables space, setting itself as one of the largest funding agencies for renewables in the country. Recently, the company got its MoA changed to fund the infrastructure and logistics space as well. It is a key partner to the Central Government for implementation of several schemes such as Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), Liquidity Infusion Scheme under Atmanirbhar Bharat, Late Payment Surcharge Rules (LPS), Independent Transmission Projects (ITPs) etc and has been one of the highest dividend paying companies.

(TPPs) between 2005-2022 of which 122 were commissioned and 18 were in the construction phase and spread across 16 states/UTs. The 122 plants account for almost 196 GW of the 204 GW total commissioned capacity during this timeframe, with 122 GW publicly held whereas 73 GW is privately-owned.

"Information about financing is indispensable to any scrutiny of project feasibility not only in terms of efficiency and requirement, but also the environmental and social impacts that accompany such projects. Yet, such information is rarely accessible to the public. This inaccessibility exists mainly due to lack of transparency and astute use of fiduciary relationships between bank and client," said Kenneth Gomes, author of the report and Data Analyst at Centre for Financial Accountability."This report intends to remove this asymmetry and make such information available publicly to encourage demands for accountability from financial institutions."

SCCL thermal power station emerges as No. 1 in the country

Loans amounting to Rs 7.62 lakh crore have been provided by 84 lenders, both national and international, to thermal power projects in India, with a capacity of 1,000 MW and above between 2005-2022, a new report said.The report, The Coal Tail: Tracking Investments in Coal fired Thermal Power Plants in India, by the Centre for Financial Accountability comes at the heels of COP27, which concluded on November 20 in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, where India announced its Long-Term Low Emissions and Development Strategies.

Moreover, India has recently assumed the presidency of the G20 Summit this month, which will have some focus on energy transition.The report analysed data for 140 thermal power plants

The Singareni Thermal power plant (STPP) in Jaipur of Mancherial has emerged as the number one thermal power station during the last eight months in 2022-2023. According to an official press release, till November 30, 2022, the 1200 MWs STPP has generated 6,385 million units of power at a plant load factor (PLF) of 90.86 which is the highest PLF among all the 250 and odd power stations of the governmentowned and private in the country.A report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report, the 2,600 MWs NTPC Korba in Chattisgarh state secured second place with a PLF of 90.01 per cent and 2000 MWs NTPC Singrauli secured third place with a PLF of 89.94 per cent.

Commissioned in the year 2016, the STPP with a capacity of 1,200 MW has achieved 100 per cent PLF on several occasions. It had so far generated 51,547 million units of power. Appreciating the power plant’s progress, Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao sanctioned another

Loans of Rs 7.62 trillion provided to thermal power plants in India: Report

800 MWs plant on the same premises in Jaipur.

Singareni chairman and managing director.N Sridhar said that SCCL was taking all measures to generate 3,000 MWs of power by the year 2026. Already, they were generating 1200 MWs of thermal power and 219 MWs of solar power. The Singareni would add 800 MWs of the thermal power plant and generate 1,000 MWs of solar power by installing floating solar panels in all major reservoirs in the state and achieve the milestone of 3,000 MWs of power by 2026.

Reduction in AT-C losses improves the finances of the utilities: Power ministry

The reduction in aggregate technical and commercial (AT and C) losses improves the finances of the utilities, which will enable them to better maintain the system and buy power as per requirements, benefiting the consumers, the ministry of power said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called for a 'one nation, one power tariff' policy, stating that some states have to purchase power at a higher rate than others.Unveiling Power Department projects worth 15,871 crore, he said Bihar gets electricity from the central government's power plants at a higher rate compared to other states.

"All states are actively participating in the inclusive growth of the country. I have said several times in the past that there should be a 'one nation, one power tariff' policy. Why are some states purchasing power at higher rates from the generation units of the central government? A uniform electricity rate across the country should be there," Mr Kumar said.He said that his government has decided to install smart prepaid electricity meters in the state to ensure transparency.

"We give subsidies to our power consumers. We purchase electricity at a much higher rate and provide our consumers at a much lower rate. I am least bothered about those who talk of providing free electricity," the chief minister said, when questioned about such schemes in other states. Mr Kumar said that his government ensured electricity connection to every household of the state in October 2018."When we got an opportunity to serve the people of Bihar in 2005, the electricity consumption in the state was just 700 mw. Now, it has gone up to 6,738 mw," he said.

The Ministry said in a statement said that AT and C losses and average cost of supply and average realisable revenue (ACS-ARR) gap are key indicators of a discom’s performance. In the last two years, the AT and C loss of the discoms of the country was hovering at 21-22 per cent. The Ministry instituted a number of measures to improve the performance of utilities, according to the statement.Aggregate technical and commercial (AT and C) losses of discoms declined significantly to 17 per cent in 2021-22 (FY22) whereas the gap between average cost of supply and average realizable revenue declines from Rs 0.69/kWh in FY21 to Rs 0.22/ kWh in FY22.

Preliminary analysis of data for FY22 of 56 discoms contributing to more than 96 per cent of input energy, indicates that the AT and C losses of discoms have declined significantly to 17 per cent in FY22 from 22 per cent in FY21,” the ministry said.The Ministry of Power said the reduction in AT&C losses had resulted in reduction in the gap between average cost of supply (ACS) and average realisable revenue (ARR).

“The decline of 5 per cent in AT&C losses and 47 paise in the ACS-ARR gap in one year is the result of a number of initiatives taken by the ministry of power.

Power Minister forms sub-committee to look into DSM grievance

Union Power Minister R K Singh has assured the renewable energy industry of help over the industry’s grievances over the new ‘deviation settlement mechanism’ (DSM) guidelines. In

Nitish Kumar calls for "one nation, one power tariff" policy

a meeting with the industry representatives on December 1, Singh said he would form a subcommittee to look into the issue, industry sources who attended the meeting.

The Wind Independent Power Producers’ Association (WIPPA), a body of wind energy companies, has taken the government and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) to Delhi High Court over the DSM guidelines. The new guidelines drastically narrow the band within which energy companies will not be penalized for deviating from the power supply schedules they would have given to the grid operator on the previous day.Singh assured the industry that the sub-committee would come up with an amicable solution before the first hearing of the case, sources said. On the back of this assurance, the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), an association of solar energy companies, has decided not to implead itself in the case, the CEO of the Federation, MrSubrahmanyamPulipaka, told business line.

Tata Power announces Rs 6,000 crore investment in Odisha

Tata Power CEO and MD Praveer Sinha announced aRs 6,000 crore capital investment by the company in Odisha. Speaking at the Make in Odisha Conclave, Sinha said the four power discoms of Odisha, where Tata Power has a majority stake, are committed to Rs 6,000 crorecapex investment in the next five years.Sinha said the company will also set up 1,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, 1,00,000 solar pumps, micrograms, rooftop and floating solar plants in the next five years. He welcomed the Odisha government’s Renewable Energy Policy 2022 unveiled at the Make In Odisha Conclave here.The Tata Power CEO said the company has been engaged in power distribution across Odisha and is committed to ensure ease-of-doing business through quality power supply.

Power giant NTPC begins hunt for investors for its subsidiary to raise

capital

State-owned power giant NTPC has begun the hunt for investors to raise capital for its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Ltd. According to a report by PTI news agency, a source said that NTPC Green Energy might get an investor by March 2023."NTPC is in the process of roping in a strategic investor for its subsidiary NTPC Green Energy Ltd. The company wants to raise 2,000 crore to 3,000 crore through this transaction, which is likely to be completed during this fiscal year or by March 2023," the agency wrote citing a source.

Further, the report mentioned that some pension funds, equity investors, and big firms had evinced their interest to invest in NTPC Green Energy Ltd.In view of NTPC's plan to have 60 GW capacity through RE (Renewable Energy) sources, constituting nearly 45% of its overall power generation capacity by 2032, the company would require over 2.5 lakh crore to achieve this ambitious target in the next one decade. NTPC, under the ministry of power, is the country's largest power-producing company. The company supplies one-fourth of the total electricity in the country.

At present, the NTPC has a commissioned renewable energy capacity of 2,332 MW. Overall, the installed power generation capacity, including fossil-fuel based, of the NTPC Group (including joint ventures and subsidiaries) stands at 70,254 M. The government has set the target of having 500 GW of power generation capacity from clean sources like solar, wind, and hydro plants by 2030.Last month, Union power minister R K Singh on Friday directed NTPC to more than double its capacity by 2030.Singh said that NTPC must contribute at least 25% to the 800 GW level.NTPC must increase its capacity as the power demand will continue to grow in India and the company must eye for a larger share of the market, he said.

RENEWABLES

Power Min waives inter-state transmission charges for new hydro projects

The Power Ministry on Friday announced a waiver of inter-state transmission charges on wheeling electricity for 18 years for new hydropower projects.The waiver is already available to solar and wind power projects. The government has set an ambitious plan to have 500 GW of generation capacity from non-fossil energybased sources by 2030.

Hydropower projects, being clean, green and sustainable will be of paramount importance in our clean energy transition journey. They are also essential for the integration of solar and wind power, which are intermittent in nature, the ministry said.In acknowledgement of the inherent qualities of hydro-power, the government declared hydropower projects as a renewable source of power in March 2019.However, the waiver of inter-state transmission charges, provided to solar and wind projects, had not been extended to hydropower projects.

The ISTS charges shall be levied for transmission of power from hydro-power projects where construction work is awarded and PPA is signed after June 30, 2025.For the hydropower project whose construction work is awarded and PPA is signed between July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, 25 per cent of ISTS charges will be applicable. For a project whose construction work is awarded and PPA is signed between July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, 50 per cent of ISTS charges will be applicable while for projects whose construction work is awarded and PPA is signed between July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028, 75 per cent of ISTS charges will be applicable.

up plants under PLI scheme

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has called for a pre-bid meeting or selection of solar module manufacturers for setting up manufacturing capacities for high efficiency modules in India under tranche-II of the production -linked incentive (PLI) scheme.The meeting, scheduled for 6 December 2022 , will be held under the chairmanship of the renewable energy minister, R K Singh.

Earlier this month, SECI invited online bids for selection of module manufacturers for setting up domestic capacities under the second phase of the PLI scheme. The selected manufacturer will have to set up gigawatt scale capacities. “With the objective to promote setting up of integrated plants for better quality control and competitiveness, the bidder shall commit minimum integration across solar cells and modules,” said the earlier bid document.

Based upon the extent of integration proposed, the bidder can bid for any one of the three baskets: Polysilicon-ingots-wafers-cells-modules, ingots-wafers-cells-module, Funds allotted for each category is Rs 12,000 crore, Rs 4,500 crore, and Rs 3,,000 crore, respectively.

Amazon to set up 300 MW solarwind hybrid projects in India

Amazon has said it will set up two wind-solar hybrid projects, based in Madya Pradesh and Karnataka, with a total capacity of 300 MW of renewable energy (RE).Considered to be one of the largest wind-solar hybrid corporate power purchase agreements (PPA) by a technology company in India, the project is being done with Vibrant Energy, a subsidiary of portfolio Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG), the company said. “Once operational, these projects are expected to generate 1,163,000 MWh of clean energy, which is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 380,000 averagesized households in New Delhi each year,” it said in a statement.

Combined with three solar farms in Rajasthan, Amazon now has five utility-scale RE projects in

SECI calls pre-bid meeting of solar module manufacturers to set

India, representing more than 720 MW capacity, the company added.“We are on a path to powering our operations globally with 100 per cent RE by 2025 and have worked with government and industry stakeholders in India to unlock more corporate RE procurement. This year, we have reached over 720 MW of RE capacity through utility-scale projects in India,” Amazon India Director Customer Fulfilment, Supply Chain and Global Specialty Fulfilment said.

Amazon is committed to reaching net-zero carbon across its business by 2040 and is on a path. The e-commerce giant claims it is the world’s largest corporate buyer of RE with over 380 projects across 22 countries.

Tata Power eyes five-fold hike in green energy capacity by 2030

Tata Power, the integrated power company of the Tata Group, is looking to take its renewable energy capacity to 25 gigawatt by 2030 — a near 5x increase from the current 5.6 GW — which will be primary driven by solar sector. The company, which is moving towards becoming a businessto-customer company rather than just a power producer, has installed capacity of 3,870 MW and 1,790 MW is under various stages of implementation.

“Our target is to add 2 GW every year, and by 2030 we aim to reach 25 GW. We are very much on track, maybe some delays of a quarter or two, but directionally we are on track,” Praveer Sinha, managing director and CEO, Tata Power told FE.Sinha expects renewables and the customer-oriented business — distribution, rooftop solar, micro-grid and solar pumps, home automation and EV charging — to increase their contribution to revenue in coming years.

He said that through its energy management services, the company is helping consumers with both products and solutions to be more energy efficient. “We are working on an app which will give consumers the ability to control the usage of equipments in their homes the way and when they want and also monitor their usage. Several energy consumer solutions are also in the works,” he said.

Jharkhand plans solar power in 200 villages by 2023

With Giridih gearing up to become the state's first solar city, the Jharkhand government has set an ambitious target of equipping 1,000 villages with solar lights across the state under Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022 of which 200 villages will be solarized in the first phase by 2023.Chief minister Hemant Soren's office in a communique said the move will boost to rural economy, improve the quality and reliability of solar power, enhance rural income generation, strengthen education and health services and provide a host of employment opportunities by integrating solar power into the rural economy.

"As a first step, Giridih is being developed as a solar city. Here, a total of 17 MW capacity units are being set up for domestic consumers, 5 MW for commercial sector rooftop power plants, 1 MW for solar street lights and 18 MW for ground-mounted solar power plants. In the first phase, the process of installing 5 MW rooftop panels for domestic consumers is on."Officials added that under the policy, the state energy department is working on modalities of electrifying villages through community-based solar installation.

"For this, attempts are on to remove all the deterrents by converting key establishments in rural areas like health centers, schools and police stations solar-powered. This will also help energy generation which can be used to light up local shops, help agricultural-related activities and powering medium and small scale industries to bypass traditional electricity requirements," the statement said.

India's EV revolution could bear fruit by 2030, survey shows

A private consumer expectation survey showed that around 66% of Indians said that electric vehicles will surpass petrol and diesel cars by 2030.The survey, conducted by ACKO and YouGov India, also showed that a majority of Indian consumers, around 57%, want to invest in EVs

because of their practical benefits while 56% want to purchase an EV because it is good for the environment.

A majority of respondents, 60%, believe that India's current public infrastructure is not equipped to support electric vehicles and feel the need for drastic improvement. However, the survey also revealed that 89% of the respondents think India will be infrastructural ready for EVs by 2030.Experts and analysts over the last few years have highlighted the poor infrastructure supporting EVs in India as the primary reason behind the lower penetration of EVs in the country.

"Among the intenders, 62% are concerned about rising fuel prices, and 57% of them are interested in the latest technology. 51% said that using an EV has lower running costs compared to petrol and diesel cars. In fact, 48% of the owners said EVs are more cost-efficient per mile than traditional cars," a statement read.63% of the survey's respondents did not know that sand is the most convenient solution for putting out an EV fire. "For example, 66% assume that battery life only lasts between 2 to 5 years. The good news is that 8 in 10 correctly recognize that charging behavior has a role in the EVs battery life."

West Bengal: Government hopes for zero subsidy with EVs

The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) hopes to operate without subsidy in the future with EV being 66% cheaper than diesel-run buses. The WBTC aims to replace its entire diesel guzzling fleet with clean-fuel or battery-run buses by 2030."Since fuel price is almost 60% of the operation cost of a bus, electric buses will be a big saver.

If it costs Rs 45 per km for a diesel bus, it is Rs 15 or less than that for an electric bus. Since the government subsidizes the common man commute costs to a great extent, we cannot raise fares. But if it is EV, the WBTC can manage to stay afloat with this fare," said WBTC managing director, RVS Kapur at CII Energy Conclave 2022 in the city. Kapur was honoured by CII for excellence in EV policy implementation.

"Under Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles- II (FAME-II), Kolkata is the recipient of the biggest fleet of 1,080 buses - this is the number of electric buses possessed by the entire South America. Under the operating expenses or opex model, the Bengal government has not paid a single penny. It has committed to pay an amount per km. The maintenance and driver's cost will be the responsibility of the operator - the manufacturer of these buses. Here it is Tata Motors," said Sudhendra J Singh, advisor, NITI Aayog.

'Shortfall in 2022 wind energy target due to supply chain disruptions, Covid'

Supply chain disruptions, change in tariff regime and the pandemic were among the reasons for the shortfall in meeting the targeted 60GW of wind energy in the country by 2022, Parliament was informed. The government had set a target of having 175 GW of renewable energy capacity including 100 GW solar, 60 GW wind energy, 10 GW of bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro power projects by 2022.

"As on October 31, 2022 wind power projects of 41.8 GW capacity have been commissioned and 11.7 GW capacity projects are at various stages of implementation in the country. In addition, bids of 1,700 MW capacity of wind power projects have been issued," Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said in a written reply to the RajyaSabha. The reasons for the shortfall in achieving the target include change in tariff regime (i.e. from Feed-inTariff (FiT) to bidding route), COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruption on account of COVID-19, etc, the minister informed the Upper House.

According to data maintained by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), India has an installed solar capacity of 61.62 GW, 10.2GW of biomass power and 4.92 GW of small hydro by October 2022. The CEA data showed that the country has 119.09 GW of installed capacity of renewable energy which consists of solar, wind energy, biomass power and small hydro by October 2022.

DOMESTIC

COAL

India’s coal demand growth fastest amid record global use: IEA India’s coal demand growth is expected to be the fastest in the world at 7%, followed by the European Union’s (EU) 6% and China’s less than 1% as global consumption is poised to hit a record 8 billion tonne this year, the International Energy Agency said.The agency’s annual coal market report listed higher consumption for power generation as the primary reason propelling demand for the dry fuel. It said post-pandemic revival in electricity demand, low hydeloutput and EU switching to coal-fired power amid gas

crunch shifted the burden on coal.“Global coalfired power generation is set to rise to a new record of around 10.3 terawatt hours this year, while coal production is forecast to rise by 5.4% to around 8.3 billion tonnes, also an all-time high,” the report said.

Forecasting a 4% growth in India’s power demand, the report expects the country’s coal demand to increase by 70 million tonnes (MT). In comparison, China’s power demand growth is pegged at 7% and coal consumption growth at 18 MT.Recent industry reports had put the all-India electricity demand growth at 10.6% on a year-on-year basis in the 8 months between

April and November period of the current fiscal (April 1, 2022-March 31, 2023).

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) has reported a 17% rise in its coal production so far in the financial year 2022-23. During April-November, the company produced 412.6 million tonne (MT) of coal compared to 353.4 MT a year ago, the miner said in a statement.

Coal important for energy security: Pralhad Joshi

Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi while emphasizing on the importance of dry fuel in securing energy security on Saturday said that the government is undertaking various reforms in the sector.

Addressing a coal and mines conclave in Bengaluru, Joshi told investors that the future outlook of dry fuel is positive.The coal ministry is organizing various conclaves across the country to attract investors for auction of 141 blocks, which it is offering for commercial mining.Senior officials of the coal and mines ministries, Karnataka Chief Minister BasavarajBommai and state government officials were also present on the occasion.

The mines ministry has auctioned 108 mineral blocks since March 2021 as compared to 108 blocks auctioned in six years prior to that from 2015 to 2021.Further, auction of 70 mineral blocks is under process. The Geological Survey of India has handed over more than 200 explored blocks to state governments for auction. More than 400 blocks are ready for auction in the country, official sources said.

Kishan Reddy

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy refuted Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's allegations of alloting coal mines only to Gujarat, and said that the Centre has given coal mines not as per its wish but through an open auction.Speaking to ANI, Reddy said that the government had given the allotment to Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) in Telangana before 2020, however, it decided thereafter that the coal mining allocation through an open auction.

"KCR is making a false accusation that the central government is alloting coal mines to government companies in Gujarat and not giving it to the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) in Telangana. Before 2020, the allotment has been given to Singareni and also to Telangana GENCO for power generation. The same has been given to Gujarat. After 2020, the central government decided that the coal mining allocation will be through an open auction," he said."The country is facing a huge problem because of coal shortage as government companies that are allocated the mines are not mining coal. Power generation and employment generation have decreased," Reddy added. The central government has not given any coal mines as per their wish, but through open auction to private or government companies. KCR is making the false accusation that there is a different justice to Gujarat and a different justice to Telangana by the central government. The centre has given mines to Telangana also when it gave to Gujarat," he said.

Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in LokSabha mentioned India's augmenting coal production for meeting the rapid demand in the energy sector.

Allocation of all coal mines done through open auction, says

India augmenting its coal production to meet increasing energy needs

While mentioning that, he said "In India, the transition away from coal is not happening in foreseeable future. Although India is pushing for renewable/non-fossil-based energy, but the share of coal in the energy basket is going to remain significant in years ahead. India is augmenting its coal production for meeting its increasing energy needs.

Total coal consumption in India is yet to peak. The Economic Survey 2021-22 projects coal demand in the range of 1.3-1.5 billion tonnes by 2030 from the current level of about 1000 MT."It is projected that coal demand will continue to rise and may peak around 2040. Thus, despite thrust on renewable, coal is going to continue as a primary source of energy to meet the growing development needs of India.

Coal production rose to 75.87 mn tonnes in Nov

India's total coal production went up by 11.66 per cent to 75.87 million tonnes in November 2022 from 67.94 million tonnes recorded during the corresponding period of last year.According to the coal ministry data, in November 2022, Coal India Ltd (CIL) registered a growth of 12.82 per cent, whereas Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and other captive mines registered a growth of 7.84 per cent and 6.87 per cent respectively.

Out of the top 37 mines in coal production as many as 24 mines produced more than 100 per cent and production of five mines stood between 80 and 100 per cent in terms of output.The power utilities dispatch also increased by 3.55 per cent to 62.34 million tonnes during November as compared to 60.20 million tonnes in the corresponding period of last year.Coal-based power generation also registered a growth of 16.28 per cent in November as compared to last year, while overall power generation in November was 14.63 per cent higher than the power generated in November 2021

Govt issue allocation orders for 6 coal blocks

The government said it has issued allocation orders to the successful bidders for six coal mines which were put on sale for commercial coal mining.The successful bidders got the vesting orders from coal secretary AmritLalMeena.

"The Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal issued vesting order for six coal mines i.e. Barra, Maiki North, Alaknanda, Basantpur, Bandha North and Kasta East for which the Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) were signed on October 17, 2022," the coal ministry said in statement.

Of the said blocks, one coal mine is fully explored and the remaining mines are partially explored.The Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of fully explored mine is 1.89 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). Total geological reserve of six coal mines is 2,302 million tonnes and the blocks are likely to generate an annual revenue of Rs 130.08 crore and will attract capital investment of Rs 283.50 crore. It will provide employment to 2,555 people both directly and indirectly. With the allocation of these six coal mines, a total of 45 allocation orders have been issued till date with cumulative PRC of 85 MTPA.

NTPC coal

mining output jumps 48%

to 12.24 MMT in April-Nov

State-owned power giant NTPC on Friday said it has recorded 48 per cent growth in coal mining output at 12.24 million metric tonne for April-November 2022 as compared to the same period a year ago.NTPC recorded 8.27 million metric tonne (MMT) of coal production in the same period of 2021, a company statement said.

The four operational coal mines viz. Pakri-Bar-

wadih and ChattiBariatu (Jharkhand), Dulanga (Odisha) and Talaipalli (Chhattisgarh) contributed in accomplishing the highest ever monthly coal production of 20.47 lakh metric tonne last month, since their inception.Pakri-Barwadih coal mine has also achieved the highest ever coal production of 12.24 lakh metric tonne for a month since its commencement. So far, the captive mines have delivered 58.42 MMT of coal to more than 22 power plants of NTPC, it stated.

Along with this coal production, NTPC has also attained the highest ever monthly overburden removal of 83.49 lakh cubic meter, it added. After the in-house development of e-SMP (Digital Safety Management Plan) and its successful implementation in all the coal mines of NTPC, projects like integrated coal management system and safety mobile app are in the pipeline.

Singareni gearing up to achieve a target of producing 70 million tonnes of coal

In order to achieve the target of producing 700 lakh metric tonnes of coal during this financial year, Singareni Collieries Company Limited has decided to utilise the remaining four months at the optimal level and increase the coal production.Accordingly, the Singareni chairman and managing director N Sridhar has set a target of producing 2.3 lakh tonnes of coal per day and its transportation to various sectors. Besides, he had also set a target of removal of 16 lakh cubic meters of overburden per day at the OCPs.

At a video conference with the respective area general managers from Singarenibhavan in Hyderabad on December 2, 2022, the Singareni C&MD said that the respective areas have picked up coal production in spite of causing serious losses due to incessant rains during this year. Stating that they could achieve coal production of 2 lakh metric tonnes per day in the

month of November 2022, he directed the officials to achieve the target of producing 2.3 lakh metric tonnes of coal per day and its dispatch.

He also informed the area general managers to ensure that there was the removal of at least 16 lakh cubic meters of overburden at all OCPs in the Singareni. He said that they had crossed the milestone of removing 15 lakh cubic meters of overburden in the month of November 2022. He informed the officials to ensure the removal of 16 lakh cubic meters of overburden per day at all OCPs to achieve the targeted coal production.

No dethroning coal in the next two decades

The country’s largest miner Coal India does not anticipate a fuel supply crunch as seen last summer. Coal India chairman Pramod Agrawal, in an interview said that there is no “dethroning” of coal as a major fuel source at least in the next two decades and touched upon a need for a judicious increase in the price of coal.Coal India has an ambitious production target of 700 million tones (mt) in 2022-23. Based on the current production trend, what is the anticipation for March 31, 2023?

A: The target is definitely ambitious. We began FY23 entailing a quantum jump of 78 mt to breach the target. So far we have produced 61 mt more coal than last fiscal. Given the present production pace, we feel upbeat about sailing past the target by FY closure. On a progressive basis, we consistently maintained double-digit output growth. This was catalytic in bringing the annual asking growth rate down by nearly half to 6.4 per cent from 12.4 per cent at the start of the fiscal.

What steps are being taken by Coal India this year to prevent a situation seen last summer?

A: Such a situation is unlikely with improved production. We are augmenting our output capacity through the opening of Greenfield projects and the expansion of existing projects. In the current fiscal we have started three mines with three more in the pipeline. During the past two financial years, CIL has approved a total of 52 projects which contribute to incremental capacity creation of an aggregate 378 mt/year. These will start contributing in a phased manner.

largest importer, consumer and producer of coal, and counts Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, Russia and United States as its major suppliers.Overall imports of coal and coke products metcoke and petcoke rose 8.5% to 17.87 million tonnes, the Coalmint data showed.

RAILWAYS

Railway Ministry Drops Proposal for Monetisation of Stations on PPP Mode

India November thermal coal imports at 10 month-low as local output soars

India's thermal coal imports fell to the lowest levels in 10 months during November, data from consultancy Coalmint showed, mainly due to a rise in domestic coal production.The country imported 10.83 million tonnes of thermal coal in November, the Coalmint data showed, compared with 12.03 million tonnes in October and 9.45 million tonnes in November 2021.

Imports fell mainly due to higher production by state-run Coal India, which accounts for 80% of India's coal output.The world's largest coal miner has seen output increase by a sixth to 412.6 million tonnes during the first eight months of this financial year, putting it on track to meet annual production targets for the first time since 2010.The decline in shipments of the power generation fuel in November marked the fifth straight month when imports fell compared with the previous month, the data showed.

Imports of coking coal - used mainly in steelmaking - fell to 4.56 million tonnes from 4.95 million tonnes in October and 5.3 million tonnes in November 2021.India is the world's second-

The ministry of railways has dropped its proposal for monetisation of stations on publicprivate partnership mode, and projects are now being taken up under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode, a source said. The source also told PTI that the ministry of railways has been asked to expedite monetisation of other assets, including trains, goodsheds, hill rail, stadiums, railway colonies and railway land parcels among others.

"Largest asset class (stations) dropped. Stations earlier proposed on PPP mode are now being taken up under EPC mode," the source said. The ministry has so far raised only Rs 1,829 crore against the target of Rs 30,000 crore in the current financial year, the source added."Likely realisation from asset monetisation of Indian Railways assets under NMP (National Monetisation Pipeline) in the current fiscal has been now estimated at Rs 4,999 crore," the source said.Finance minister NirmalaSitharaman in a meeting with NitiAayog CEO ParameswaranIyer on November 14 reviewed the progress of NMP implementation.An e-mail sent to the official spokesperson of the ministry of railways seeking comments remained unanswered.

Earlier this year, the then NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant had said the government's plan to monetise railway assets by allowing private players to run trains did not attract enough investors due to lack of proper structuring and the railway ministry is looking at it afresh.According to the NMP document, a total of 400 stations, 90 passenger trains, railway stadiums and colonies, and the famed Konkan and hill railways were among the assets identified by the government for monetisation.

Indian Railways may place mega order for 50,000 wagons in budget

The Central government may announce in the upcoming budget a mega order for 50,000 wagons to be supplied by 2027-28, people aware of the plan said. The order is likely to be valued at Rs 21,000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore, experts said.“The Indian Railways would like to procure as many wagons as the market can offer over the next few years. These steps are being taken to increase the railways’ market share in transporting cargo to 50 percent by 2030,” said a railway ministry official who did not wish to be identified.The share of the railways in India’s cargo market is 27 percent, second to about 60 percent for roadways.

The new order, along with the mega tender announced last year, will benefit wagon manufacturers, according to the official. The government will award longer-term contracts to facilitate investment in wagon manufacturing and increase their production capacity by 25 percent, the official said.Titagarh Wagons, Texmaco Rail, Hindustan Engineering Industries, Commercial Engineer, and Oriental Foundry were the five companies that were awarded contracts worth Rs 23,500 crore to supply 60,000 wagons to the Indian Railways by 2025-26.

To avert a fuel and power crisis like the one earlier this year, ministries are joining hands to take the sea route to supply coal cheaper and possibly faster.From January 2023, Power, Coal and Shipping ministries are looking to start coal transportation from Odisha and Jharkhand by sea to the western coast as part of a key new strategy.Several states reeled under power shortage due to flagging coal supply the last summer, forcing state-owned Coal India to import coal for the first time since 2015.The target states are Gujarat, Maharashtra and possibly Punjab, officials in the know told ET.

Aim to enhance steel production to 300 million ton by 2030: Scindia

TheUnionMinisterofSteelandCivilAviation,Shr iJyotiradityaM.Scindia.urged the Indian steel industry to move towards green and low carbon emitting production processes. Speaking at the launch of KalyaniGroup's first green steel brand'KalyaniFeRRESTA'inNewDelhi, thehon’bleministeremphasized onthegrowingroleofsteelasthefoundationalforceforthedevelopmentofanation.

Minister Scindia added that as the fifth largest economy and second largest producer of steel,India needs to also become a responsible and sustainable producer of steel. Talking about theenhancedconsumptionand productioncapacities ofthenation, the minister saidthat“Wehave ambitious expansion plans of doubling our production capacity by 2030 from the currentlevel of 154 MT to 300 MT, as also envisaged in National Steel Policy 2017”.

STEEL

He said that therefore there is a need to strikeabalancebetweenSteelIndustry’s ambitious capacity enhancement targets and work towards Prime Minister NarendraModi’svision ofachievingnet zero target by2070. He also shared that through strategic policy interventions,the government has resolved to bring downcarbonemissions by 2030 and strengthenthecountry's commitmenttowardsproducinggreensteel.Hesaidthatthe government and other stakeholders need to work together to decarbonise the industry by ensuring increased use of renewable energy, efficient raw materials like scrap and pellets, best available technologies and green hydrogen. He addedthat together the industry needs to move from fossil fuel intensive BF-BOF (Blast Furnace –Basic Oxygen Furnace) route and Coal-based DRI-EAF/IF (Direct Reduced Iron-Electric Arc Furnace/Induction Furnace) to gas-based DRI-EAF to ensure a successful transition to green steel.

Infrastructure output rises 5.4 per cent in November

India's eight core industries recorded a growth of 5.4 per cent in November as against 3.2 per cent in the same month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Friday.

The cumulative growth rate of ICI during AprilNovember 2022 stood at 8.0 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.The production of Cement, Coal, Electricity, Steel and Fertilizers increased in November 2022 over the corresponding month of previous year.

The production of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum refinery sectors contracted by 1.1 per cent, 0.7 per cent and 9.3 per cent respectively. ICI measures combined and individual production performance in selected eight core industries namely coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery

products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity, the statement said. The eight core industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

India's finished steel imports from Russia hit 4-year high in April-October

India's finished steel imports from Russia during April-October rose to their highest in at least four years, government data compiled by Reuters showed, underscoring Moscow's bid to divert shipments in the wake of Western sanctions.Russia's steel exports to India reached 149,000 tonnes in the first seven months of the current fiscal year that began in April, up from around 34,000 tonnes shipped a year earlier. Russia accounted for just about 5% of India's total steel imports but was among the top five exporters. India’s total steel imports between April and October stood at 3.2 million tonnes, up 14.5% from a year earlier. South Korea exported 1.3 million tonnes to India, accounting for a 41% share of the country's total purchase. Between April and October, India emerged as a net exporter of steel, even as overall shipments more than halved due to an export tax and a slowdown in global demand.

Earlier this month, India scrapped the export tax levied on some steel intermediates, reviving expectations of a turnaround in exports.JSW Steel Ltd (JSTL.NS), India's largest steelmaker by capacity, said six to seven distressed Russian steel shipments arrived during the current fiscal year. Other than buying large quantities of steel from Russia, Indian firms have also been importing coking coal from Moscow.Indian steelmakers have so far imported record 5-6 million tonnes of Russian coking coal in 2022/23, compared with less than 2 million tonnes last year.

Tata Steel will continue to invest in Odisha: CEO Narendran

Tata Steel which has make investments of over Rs 75,000 crore in Odisha will continue to invest in the state which has 25 per cent of India's total steel making capacity, its MD & CEO T V Narendran said. Narendran made the remarks at the 'Make in Odisha Conclave 2022' in Bhubaneswar."The Tata group of companies, and more specifically Tata Steel, has invested over Rs 75,000 crore in Odisha in the last five years. We will continue to invest to support the growth in Odisha," the official said.

Over the last few years in Odisha, Tata Steel has not just built its plant in Kalinganagar, but has also acquired several assets which include NeelachalIspat plant, he said.According to Narendran, Tata Steel is the largest steel manufacturer in Odisha producing about 9 million tonnes of steel annually.

"We plan to double this over the next few years as we expand in all our locations in Odisha. Odisha accounts for 1/4th of the steel capacity in the country today," he said.Steel Minister JyotiradityaScindia said India's total steel making capacity has touched about 150 MT mark.

"We are evaluating between brownfield expansion and acquisition preferably with mine rights in the northern part of Assam," Purbanchal Cement MD Vedant Agarwal said."We have earmarked Rs 200 crore over the next two-three years to fund our expansion. Initially, we are aiming at ramping up our installed capacity to 1 million tonnes," he told PTI.Agarwal said the company is also looking at opportunities beyond the northeast."There are plans to set up a grinding unit in West Bengal to tap the eastern market demand," he said.

The West Bengal government has been wooing manufacturing industries for investment, banking on robust coal deposits, official’s said. In recent times, however, cement makers have been hit by high commodity prices and supply hurdles."As a result of coal shortage, the industry is experiencing severe cost pressure, which has led to price volatility. However, things seem to be improving, albeit slowly," Agarwal said.

Purbanchal Cement lines up Rs 200cr for expansion, Bengal in roadmap

Assam-based Purvanchal Cement has earmarked Rs 200 crore for acquisition and expansion over the next few years, including foraying into markets outside the northeastern region like West Bengal, a senior official said. The Maithon Group Company has at present a 0.5-million tonne capacity plant near Guwahati.

UltraTech Cement commissions two new Northern

units

Indian grinding

UltraTech Cement says that it recently commissioned two new grinding units in Northern India. The Aditya Birla subsidiary commissioned a new 1.8Mt/yr grinding unit at its expanded Dhar integrated cement plant in Madhya Pradesh on 27 November 2022.

The company also inaugurated its new 1.8Mt/ yrDhule grinding plant in Maharashtra. The projects form the first phase of 12.9Mt/yr-worth of planned expansions, announced by the company in late 2020.

UltraTech Cement's managing director KailashJhanwar visited the Dhar cement plant to congratulate the team there on its contribution to the expansion drive.

GLOBAL

With the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on commodity markets softening with 2023 arriving and several countries aiming to raise production, Asian thermal coal prices are expected to see a reasonable correction in 2023 given that supply concerns will likely take a back seat.

Indonesia, China and India have all announced higher production targets for the next year as part of their larger goal of meeting domestic needs internally, which is expected to lessen the load on the Asian thermal coal trading market, according to miners, traders and buyers surveyed by S&P Global Commodity Insights. The Russia-Ukraine war shot Asian thermal coal prices to record levels in 2022 as additional de-

mand from Europe, which sanctioned Russian fuel, created supply tightness. Even though prices have receded in recent months, they remain at levels higher than the average of the last two years.

The FOB Kalimantan 4,200 kcal/kg GAR touched a year-to-date high March 10 at $136/mt, the day after FOB Kalimantan 5,000 kcal/kg GAR hit its year-to-date high at $190/mt March 9. Even though both prices then eased, they have averaged a firm $86.50/mt and $128.65/mt, respectively, to date in 2022. “Overall demand is expected to remain strong due to the robust economic outlook of countries like China, Indonesia and India. The impact of war will gradually ease as countries are adapting to new trade flows… India and China may continue to buy Russian coal, while also expanding their domestic production,” an Indonesia-based miner said.

Easing war impact, rising supply set to make Asian thermal coal more affordable

In a year marked by record-smashing floods, fires, heat waves and droughts, the urgent need to act on climate change has never been more apparent. And yet, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has found coal burning for electricity generation will reach record levels this year.

Why? Largely because rising natural gas prices, due to sanctions on Russia, is driving demand for less expensive coal to fill the gap in energy supply. The report finds Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has “sharply altered the dynamics of coal trade, price levels, and supply and demand patterns in 2022”.

The good news, however, is the world’s coal use has peaked – and will soon rapidly decline. This is because new solar and wind power station capacity is being installed 18 times faster than new coal. In many countries such as Australia, retiring coal power stations are being replaced by solar and wind. Coal use in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) peaked in 2008. Since then, the proportion of coal in the NEM electricity mix has fallen from 86% to 59%, and this decline is accelerating. So why is Australia ahead of the pack in weaning itself off coal? And what lessons can we offer the rest of the world?

The IEA report, released last week, suggests global coal use will rise 1.2% this year, surpassing 8 billion tonnes for the first time and the previous record set in 2013. Indeed, China, India and Indonesia, the three largest coal producers, will all hit production records this year.If there’s a silver lining, we’ve reached peak coal, and it’s only down from here. However, severe climate damage will result from a prolonged tail end of the coal industry.The IEA found despite high prices for coal, there is no sign of big investment in export mining projects. And this, it says, “reflects caution among investors and mining companies about the medium- and longer-term prospects for coal”.

Coal will be Australia’s number one export says authority

Fossil fuels are predicted to replace metals as the nation’s top commodity shipped abroad. Authorities are optimistic the value of exported Australian coal will overtake that of iron ore in the next six months.The federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources confirmed metallurgical coal and thermal coal exports totalled $114 billion during the 2022 financial year (FY).In FY23 this figure is expected to jump 16.7 per cent to $133B, dwarfing iron ore’s $114B sum for the same period. In the following fiscal period coal will decrease 24.1 per cent to $101B but this will still be higher than iron ore’s $95B total.

The department expects coal production to jump in New South Wales and “especially” Queensland, from 163M tonnes (Mt) in FY22 to 183Mt by FY24 (up 12.2 per cent).“Metallurgical coal export earnings were $23B in 2020–21 but surged to $68B in 2021–22. Prices are now easing, as seasonal and short-term supply issues pass and demand edges back. This should see earnings fall moderately over the outlook period with export values eventually easing to a stillhigh $46B by 2023–24,” the latest resources and energy quarterly report said.

Australia’s Queensland state on Wednesday forecast a record surplus for the current financial year, largely driven by higher royalty payments from coal producers on the back of a sharp rise in global energy prices due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Coal and petroleum royalty revenue has been revised up by A$5.82 billion ($3.90 billion) for the financial year ending June next year, state Treasurer Cameron Dick said in a budget update.

“Coal royalties are worth fighting for. Queenslanders deserve their fair share and they

Global coal use in 2022 is reaching an all-time high, but Australia is bucking the trend

“Coal royalty payments boost Australian state’s budget forecast

will receive it,” Dick said. Queensland, home to coal mines owned by majors BHP Group Ltd, Glencore PLC, Anglo American PLC and Peabody Energy Corp BTU.N, in June ended a 10year freeze on royalty rates and raised them to capture windfall profit. A record surplus of A$5.2 billion is now forecast for the state for 2022-23.

The budget update comes ahead of a meeting of federal and state leaders called by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday to discuss enforcing price caps on gas and coal to contain soaring power prices. Albanese has said his government is considering price caps, but some resource-heavy states have pushed back as it could hit the revenue they make from royalty payments. Queensland has said it would seek compensation from the federal government for any revenue loss.

Australian mineral exploration expense hits record high

Australia's spending on non-petroleum mineral exploration hit a record high of A$1.08bn ($739mn) in July-September, as firms continued to look for iron ore, base metals, battery minerals and coal, despite flooding along the east coast, and continuously rising costs. Total spending on non-petroleum minerals across Australia during July-September was A$1.08bn, up from A$1.06bn in April-June and A$997.6mn in JulySeptember 2021, according to the latest release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Exploration spending rose to A$3bn in JanuarySeptember from A$2.64bn a year earlier and from A$1.02bn in the first nine months of 2016.

Exploration on what the ABS calls "other deposits" rose to a record A$140.7mn in July-September from A$103mn in April-June and from A$83mn in July-September 2021. This category includes spending on exploration for lithium and other battery metals, which has increased markedly in the past five years as part of the push for increased electrification to reduce emissions.

Base metal exploration spending also hit a record high of A$267mn in July-September, up

from A$241.2mn in April-June and A$236.8mn in July-September 2021, driven by higher spending on copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc deposits. Spending on base metal exploration has been trending upwards and is double of what it was two years ago and more than quadruple of what it was in 2016.

Indonesia to produce nearly 700 mn ton of coal in 2023

Indonesia has targeted to raise its coal production to 694 million ton to fulfil domestic supply and export demands, the country's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced.

"As we know that in 2022, we targeted to produce 663 million ton, and up to now the production has reached 94.6 per cent, or around 627 million ton. Next year our domestic needs are increasing, mostly for electricity," the Director for Development of Coal Business of the Ministry's Directorate General of Minerals and Coal, Lana Saria, said in a virtual seminar on Tuesday.According to the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI), Indonesia indeed needs to produce more coal next year as demands from China and India will also increase.

She said that Indonesia would continue to receive high coal demands from European countries, Xinhua news agency reported.In 2022, the coal export to Europe has significantly increased, reaching 4 million to 5 million ton, the largest coal export to Europe in history, while in previous years it only reached 500,000 ton, according to APBI.

Indonesia’s domestic appetite to rise

In Indonesia, miners will increase production, more of low- to mid-CV coal, because the domestic demand is also likely to rise on an expected rebound in the industrial and housing sectors,” the miner said. Based on discussions between Indonesian miners and the govern-

ment, the production target for next year stands at 690 million-700 million mt, above the 663 million mt targeted for 2022. Another Indonesiabased producer said he expects prices in 2023 to remain stable from 2022, with FOB Kalimantan 4,200 kcal/kg GAR coal seen in the range of $60-$70/mt.

“We don’t expect weather anomalies around July and most of the first half of 2023. The problems of unavailability of heavy machinery have been sorted out,” the producer said. Indonesia’s projection for coal demand from the power sector is 161.15 million mt in 2023, up from an estimated 127.5 million mt for 2022 projected in December 2021, of which state-owned electricity utility demand is expected at 81 million mt. Demand from the country’s cement and fertilizer industry are expected to rise as well. For the 2022 target, upward revisions for state-owned PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara, or PLN, have been made during the year in the range of 5 million-8 million mt, but no such revisions were notified for the non-power sector.

China, India demand to ease “We think that the market has lost its legs and will be lower in 2023,” a Singapore-based trader said, adding chances of a mild recession in Europe and Asia will also impact demand as well as pricing. “Demand is going to be weak in China and India, as domestic production will be higher.” Sources expect Chinese demand in January to be weak due to Lunar New Year falling in the second half of the month in 2023, but some stability is likely in the next two months thereafter.

G20 summit that Indonesia hosted earlier this month, on the brink of collapse before it even takes off.

“JETP in Indonesia has a huge risk of failure in its attempt to decarbonize [Indonesia’s] electricity system,” said AndriPrasetiyo, a researcher at Trend Asia, a Jakarta-based nonprofit that advocates for clean energy transition. “This is because the government is still sending a mixed signal in energy transition by not setting a clear deadline on stopping the construction of new coal plants.”Under the deal — the single largest climate finance partnership to date — Indonesia will aim to cap its emissions from the power sector by 2030, faster than the initial target of 2037, and to generate 34% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

But the Indonesian government will still allow the construction of new coal plants, with a combined capacity of 13 gigawatts that have already been tendered out. The plan is laid out in the country’s 10-year energy plan for 2021-2030. Crucially, a 2022 regulation issued by President JokoWidodogreenlights the construction of what’s known as captive coal plants, which are built specifically to supply certain industries and not to feed into the grid.In a joint statement, Indonesia and its JETP partners — comprising the G7 plus Denmark and Norway — say they have a target to restrict the development of captive coal-fired power plants in accordance with the 2022 presidential regulation.

Thiess secures $230m contract extension for Indonesian coal mine

Transition

Indonesia will continue building new coal-fired power plants, despite a recent $20 billion deal with the G7 group of industrialized countries to help it transition to clean energy. Activists say this puts the deal, known as the Just Energy Transition Partnership and signed at the

Thiess, the mining arm of Cimic Group, has received a A$345m ($230.6m) contract extension from Bayan Group to continue providing services at the Melak coal mine in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.Under the contract, which is effective from May 2023, Thiess will provide full mining services including load and haul, drill and blast, coal hauling and road maintenance, and rehabilitation at the mine.

Thiess Indonesia secured a contract in October

Indonesia to Build Coal Plants despite $20b Deal on Clean Energy

2008 for the development and operation of the Bayan Group-owned Melak coal mine located near Melak in East Kalimantan, for a period of eight years.Thiess executive chair and CEO Michael Wright said: “Thiess has been delivering excellent outcomes for Bayan Resources at Melak since 2008. We strive to continue providing sustainable mining solutions for Bayan, building on our long, successful partnership.”

Thiess Indonesia president director Jeffrey Kounang said: “We are pleased to be extending our operations at Melak where we have delivered exceptional outcomes for the client and community for the past 14 years, continuing our relationship with Bayan Resources.”Earlier this year, Thiess made an all-cash buyout proposal of A$350m ($243.1m) for Australian mining services company MACA.Under the bid implementation deed, Thiess offered A$1.025 ($0.71) in cash to MACA’s shareholders for each share held in the company.

Coke DCJcv1, the processed form of coking or metallurgical coal, shed 3.5% to 2,668.50 yuan a tonne, after hitting 2,652 yuan, its lowest since Dec. 1."There may be signs of recovery in relations between the two countries. If Australian coal is released, domestic coking coal will turn from a shortage to a surplus," Zhongzhou Futures analysts said in a note.Concerns over weakening Chinese demand added pressure on prices of the raw materials and steel benchmarks.

Coal output in China's Shanxi up 8.9 pct in Jan-Nov

China's largest coal-producing region, Shanxi Province, reported steady coal production growth in the first 11 months of 2022, as it strives to guarantee the country's energy supply.Major coal mining enterprises in Shanxi produced nearly 1.2 billion tonnes of raw coal in the January-November period, up 8.9 percent year on year, the Shanxi provincial bureau of statistics said Tuesday.

Chinese coking coal futures dropped more than 3%, extending losses as supply of the steelmaking input might increase if and when Beijing lifts trade sanctions against Australia.Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong was set to push China to lift trade sanctions during a trip to Beijing aimed at mending strained diplomatic ties. Relations between Beijing and Canberra soured after Australia introduced laws to deal with what it said was Chinese interference in Australian politics, and called for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Top steel producer China has taken measures to restrict or ban shipments of Australian barley, wine, meat, dairy, live seafood, logs, timber, coal and cotton.The most-traded May coking coal on China's Dalian Commodity Exchange DJMcv1 ended morning trade 3.3% lower at 1,845.50 yuan ($264.33) a tonne. It earlier hit 1,833 yuan, its weakest since Dec. 9.

During this period, the province also transmitted 18 percent more electricity to support other regions -- as against the figure for the same period in 2021.As China's leading energy base, Shanxi is key to the country's energy security.

The province planned to raise its coal production by 107 million tonnes to 1.3 billion tonnes in 2022. Local authorities have been coordinating production, transport and epidemic response to meet the production target.Last year, the province churned out over 1.19 billion tonnes of coal, accounting for nearly one-third of the country's total.

South Africa to send 19 coal shipments to Sri Lanka

The Chairman of Lanka Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd. ShehanSumanasekera told the Sunday Observer that as the coal supplier for Sri Lanka’s thermal power plants, they had scheduled coal

China coking coal futures fall as Australia seeks to resolve trade rift

imports from South Africa months ago to run the country’s coal-fired thermal plants to avoid fears of coal shortages and electricity blackouts.Sumanasekera said this when asked about why officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Association said that the country would face total blackouts from March next year due to lack of coal at its thermal power stations.He said, “I do not understand why they had said this.”

“Moreover, I do not understand on what basis they floated the idea that the country would face “blackouts” from March so specifically, because the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is well aware that our coal contractors had brought five coal cargos into the country and unloaded them already.”Moreover, the sixth vessel with 60, 000 tons of coal is expected to arrive in the country soon. We have placed orders for 19 shipments, of which five had arrived, and unloaded coal, “he said.“We have worked double-hard to get these supplies on a credit facility of six months. President RanilWickremesinghe, Central Bank Governor Dr.NandalalWeerasinghe. Power and Energy Ministry and the Government backed us in procuring the coal,” he said.

When asked if the public should be concerned about a total blackout in March, as proposed by Ceylon Electricity Board trade unionists, Sumanasekera said, “They need not, because many coal shipments are already inbound to Sri Lanka, and many more will be.” He said the company took a package of measures to ensure the coal supplies despite the current economic problems it has to face amid the foreign exchange constraints.“There have been many challenges and delays we had to encounter because of various Letter of Credit opening issues, legal and other multi-faceted problems,” he said.

ports caused by the theft of power cables that disable electric locomotives. Speaking to Bloomberg News, Transnet CEO Portia Derby said: “I can’t see a solution, frankly, on these important corridors where we have a lot to fix, more urgent than going to diesel”. This was despite significant investment on electric trains. “That increases cost, but at least it improves reliability,” she said.At least 1,500 kilometers of cable was stolen in the current financial year. In addition, Transnet suffered the effects of a labour strike and a coal derailment which compounded its difficulties.

Infrastructure crime such as the looting of copper power cables costs the South African economy an estimated R187bn rand a year, said the newswire citing a September report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Transnet in November lifted a force majeure on its main coal export line more than two weeks after a train derailed on the route. The clean-up efforts were complicated by violence and what the company described as extortion by a local business group located near the incident, Bloomberg said.

Keeping such work in-house rather than contracting to outside parties also could potentially avoid such activity, according to Derby. “Whenever there’s been a derailment, it’s like blood sport,” Derby said. People arrive at the site and demand payment regardless of whether they’re taking part in the work or not. “That kind of thing we can’t solve, we need government.”

5G-connected coal mine an industry milestone in South Africa

South Africa’s state-owned rail and ports utility, Transnet has proposed switching to diesel trains in order to avoid disruptions to coal ex-

The launch of a 5G-connected coal mine operation in South Africa is a major step toward digital transformation of the coal industry.Huawei, MTN, Minetec Smart Mining and Phalanndwa Colliery have launched the operation. This collaboration, at Canyon Coal’s Phalanndwa Colliery, sees Huawei and MTN provide an advanced 5G solution to ensure guaranteed connectivity within the mine and plant area, in the initial stage.

Transnet proposes switching to diesel trains to avoid disruptions to coal exports

“Phalanndwa Colliery offers the perfect combination of the right technology with the right scenario, where ultra-high bandwidth and ultra-low latency of 5G allows real-time communication among the mine workers,” said Fortune Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei’s South Africa Carrier Business.The country is the world’s top platinum producer and the mining industry accounts for 8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).Wanda Matandela, Chief Commercial Operations Officer of MTN, said as MTN moves from being a tel-co to a tech-co, it had a significant role to play in the roll out of ground-breaking technology.

“The deployment of more application scenarios, promises incredible changes will be happening in the Phalanndwa Colliery. These include proximity detection system (PDS), vehicle detection, tracking system and wireless video surveillance,” he added. The systems will reduce the occurrence of accidents while protecting workers from being harmed by trucks.Furthermore, they will be able to monitor the movement trajectory and status of trucks in real time to shorten downtime.Experts believe this kind of advancement will become increasingly important as South Africa looks to remain competitive in the global mineral and resources space.

European thermal coal imports set to jump 36% in 2022

West European coal imports looked set to rise by a third this year as buyers rushed to stockpile Russian coal ahead of an EU-wide ban this summer and as power producers attempted to conserve gas ahead of winter, data showed

Imports from all origins to seven countries –including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, the UK and Italy – were provisionally seen at around 57m tonnes, up by some 15m tonnes from the 2021 total, according to DBX estimates. “The background for that increase is the strong rise in demand for the restocking of high-quality Russian product before the ban came into force,” said a coal analyst with a European trading firm.

Of the total, Russia would ship around 16m tonnes this year, down 36% versus last year. And supplies from Russia since August – when an EU-wide ban on Russian coal imports was introduced in response to its invasion of Ukraine – have plunged to an average of just 0.13m tonnes/month, likely of just Kazakh coal loaded at Russian ports. As such, total deliveries from all origins in the first half of the year surged nearly 90% to more than 32m tonnes, while those in the second half would likely slip 1.5%, compared with July-December 2021, to nearly 25m tonnes, the dry bulk data provider’s data showed.

The analyst also cited political decisions to reopen mothballed coal plants or to keep some running for longer amid concerns about winter power supply security – mainly due to sharply reduced natural gas being piped from Russia.

Germany ramps up electricity generation from coal amid energy crisis

More than a third of electricity produced and fed into the grid in Germany in the third quarter (Q3) of 2022 was generated by coal-fired power plants, according to a report based on provisional results and published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).Amid the energy crisis, coal-generated electricity in Europe's largest economy increased by 13.3 per cent year-onyear, according to Destatis on Wednesday. Germany still aims to phase out coal as a power source by 2030.

In order to ensure security of energy supply during winter, the German government has decided to temporarily return to coal-fired power plants. The first plant was already reactivated in early August, Xinhua news agency reported. Despite the high gas prices, electricity production from natural gas in Q3 was 4.5 per cent higher compared to a year earlier, accounting for 9.2 per cent of electricity fed into the grid, according to Destatis.

Gas prices in Europe have more than doubled

since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. After peaking at almost 350 euros (368 US dollars) per megawatt hour at the end of August, European TTF (Title Transfer Facility) gas futures were trading at around 140 euros. Due to Germany's nuclear phase-out, the total share of electricity generated from conventional energy sources declined to 55.6 per cent, according to Destatis. Only half as much nuclear power was generated as in the previous year. The last three nuclear power plants in Germany were originally scheduled to be shut down at the end of this year. As with coal, however, the government had to make a U-turn in order to guarantee security of supply, allowing the remaining plants to operate until April 15, 2023.

Britain approves first new coal mine in decades

Britain approved its first new deep coal mine in decades to produce the high-polluting fuel for use in steelmaking, a project that critics say will hinder the UK's climate targets. The Woodhouse Colliery, to be developed by West Cumbria Mining in northwest England, seeks to extract coking coal which is used in the steel industry rather than for electricity generation. It is expected to create around 500 jobs.

The project, unveiled in 2014, has come under criticism from the British government's own independent climate advisory panel as well as climate activists and organizations, including Greta Thunberg and Greenpeace. "This coal will be used for the production of steel and would otherwise need to be imported. It will not be used for power generation," a spokesperson for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said.

"The mine seeks to be net zero in its operations and is expected to contribute to local employment and the wider economy." The majority of the coal produced is expected to be exported to Europe. Planning documents show that more than 80% of the coal the mine will produce annually is forecast to, after five years, be sent to an export terminal on England's east coast.

Greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal — such as in steel and power plants — are the single biggest contributor to climate change, and weaning countries off coal is considered vital to achieving global climate targets. Britain has passed laws requiring it to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Czech OKD to keep CSM coal mine running until 2025 amid energy crisis

Czech state-owned hard coal miner OKD will keep its CSM mine running until 2025, officials said, extending its life as Europe deals with an energy crisis caused by soaring prices.The state had earlier this year approved the continuation of mining at the site in the country's northeast until 2023."The decision to continue mining until 2023 has proven to be key to handling the current energy crisis," Finance Minister ZbynekStanjura said in a statement published on the ministry's website on Friday.

"Unfortunately the price of heating will rise next year for more than 100,000 households in this region, but far less than if we did not have OKD coal available. I see the company's mediumterm outlook as very realistic."OKD said it had sold out its capacity of 1.1 million tonnes of coal production for 2023, and 90% of that for 2024. An environmental impact study underway is a condition for continuing after 2023, the ministry and OKD said. Coal consumption may rise in Bangladesh this year: IEA report

Although the coal consumption declined in Bangladesh last year, it is expected to increase sharply this year, the International Energy Agency said yesterday. The report said it is not the case of Bangladesh only, as coal use across the world is set to reach a new record this year amid persistently high demand for the heavily polluting fossil fuel.“Coal consumption in Bangladesh declined by 0.8 Mt to 3.8 Mt in 2021 but is expected to grow by 2.8 Mt in 2022,” said the report styled “Coal 2022: Analysis and forecast to 2025”.Explaining the reason behind such rise,

the Paris-based agency, in a new report, said the sharp growth in coal consumption is due to the commissioning of the two 660 MW blocks of the Payra power station in March and December 2021.

U.S. Coal Exports to Europe Up 46% by Weight, 184% by Value

Europe is buying almost 50% more U.S. coal as winter approaches and the Russian invasion of Ukraine drags on, increasing the percentage of U.S. coal shipped to Europe to the highest level since 2016. The overall value of U.S. coal exports to Europe has risen significantly more, up 184.21%, according to the latest Census Bureau data. That’s the effect of increasing volume at the same time prices are increasing rapidly.

While the price increase is affecting all regions of the world fairly equally, Europe is paying its additional cost as it faces a shortage of heating fuel. Its traditional source — Russian natural gas — is very much in doubt as Russia retaliates for European and U.S. sanctions over Ukraine.

Consequently, Europe is now scrambling to build facilities to convert this LNG back into natural gas, which its nations can more readily accommodate. And, now, it means buying more coal. From 2007 to 2015, Europe had purchased more than half of all U.S. coal exports, by value. By 2021, that had plummeted to 30.39%. Through October of this year, relying on the most current data, those exports to Europe have surged to 43.47%. Despite the increase in U.S. coal exports to Europe, overall exports to the world are up less than 1% by weight, according to the latest Census Bureau data, which is through October.

Coal remains primary source of energy generation for 15 US states

In 15 US states last year, coal was used to generate electricity more than any other energy source. Twenty years earlier, in 2001, coal was the largest source of electricity generation in 32 states. The United States has shifted away

from coal-fired generation since it peaked in 2007 and toward natural gas and renewables. In 2001, natural gas was the largest source of in-state electricity generation in seven states. By 2021, that number had grown to 23 states, driven by widespread retirement of coal-fired power plants and new construction of natural gas-fired power plants. Wind and solar capacity were also growing during that time. Coal-fired plants have not been competitive economically with relatively lower-cost natural gas and renewables.

Many of the country’s coal plants were built in the 1970s and 1980s. As coal plants aged and faced price pressure from natural gas and renewables and from emissions regulations, many have been closed. Ohio and Pennsylvania had the largest declines in coal-fired capacity over the past 20 years; the largest source of electricity in both states shifted from coal to natural gas over that period. As coal plants retired, significant natural gas-fired and renewable capacity, including wind and solar, was added. Technological advancements—namely horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracking—led to a rise in US natural gas production. Low natural gas prices helped make natural gas-fired power plants an attractive alternative to coal. Texas, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio added the most natural gas-fired capacity between 2001 and 2021. In 2021, natural gas accounted for the largest share of in-state generation in all five states.

In three states – Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota – where coal-fired plants generated the most electricity in 2001, the largest shares of electricity generation shifted to wind turbines by 2021. All three states are located in the blustery Great Plains, where the country’s most abundant onshore wind resources are located. Although many states have shifted away from coal as the largest source of electricity over the past 20 years, in 2021, coal still accounted for more than 70% of in-state generation in four states: West Virginia (91%), Missouri (75%), Wyoming (74%), and Kentucky (71%). Three of these states (West Virginia, Wyoming, and Kentucky) are among the nation’s largest coal producers.

Start with quality, destination will be excellence.

GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED, thy name stands for trust in supplying the qualitative coal from different coal mines of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. With its inception in Talcher, Odisha, this company redefines the power of experience and knowledge. We take pride in the inclusive understanding of our work, its operations and incorporation of ultra new methodology to cope up with the quick paced market. GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED constantly endeavour to expand globally given its success rate. GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED also has extensive experience in tendered work contracts and has provided years of unadulterated dedicated services. It has undertaken numerous contracts on providing coal of good quality and has performed flawlessly each time as endorsed by Coal India Limited. GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED has gained both momentum and trust in the market over the period by successfully completing the contracted works with properly maintaining the quality as per timelines.

We provide at supplying quality coal, being environmentally responsive and comm unity friendly attracts our customers and retains them. We understand ardently the need to be extremely aware and responsible corporate citizens GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED also takes strict measures when it comes to safety of its employees, machineries and tools and ensures that all government safety parameters are adhered to, and no deviation of any kind is tolerated.

GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED starts off its logistics from moving the quality coal from mine stock. The coal is loaded and transported through tippers and subsequently loaded to wagons to be carried to the respective thermal power plants. GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED is a brand that believes in strengthening its innate competence and growing better each passing day. With numerous new ideas out of its pandora box GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED strives at becoming a giant business conglomerate. With strong core values and impeccable services GLOBAL MINETEC LIMITED is the name you can count on.

Contact details: Mail ID: gmtltalcher2018@gmail.com Mobile No: 9133537132,7972717847

IN PARLIAMENT

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA

Q. No. 1203. DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF COKING COAL 14.12.2022

SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is working to increase the domestic production of coking coal as the country aims to have a steel making capacity of 300 million tonne by 2030-31;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the initiatives being taken by the Government in this direction;

(c) whether the Government has taken decision to reduce duty on coking coal;

(d) If so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other measures being taken by the Government to meet our requirement of coking coal?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a) & (b): Government has launched 'Mission Coking Coal' in August, 2021 to suggest roadmap to augment the production and utilization of domestic coking coal in India by 2030. Mission Coking Coal document has made recommendations majorly relating to new exploration, enhancing production, enhancing washing ca-

pacity, auction of new coking coal mines. Domestic raw Coking Coal production is likely to reach 140 MT [105 MT by CIL and 35 MT by allocated coking coal blocks] by 2030. The following transformative measures have been taken by the Government under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to increase the domestic production of coking coal –

CIL has planned to increase raw coking coal production from existing mines up to 26 MT and identified ten new mines with PRC of about 22 MT by FY 2025. Also, CIL has offered eight discontinued coking coal mines on revenue sharing model to the private sector with a PRC of 2 MT.

duction. CIL is taking steps regarding offering of coking coal mines for production to investors on revenue sharing basis.

Q. No. 1375. DCOAL SUPPLY

SHRI K. NAVASKANI:



CIL is setting up 9 new coking coal washeries and also revamping the existing coking coal washeries to augment washing capacity.

 Ministry of Coal has auctioned 10 coking coal blocks to the private sector with a PRC of 22.5 MT during the last two years. Most of these blocks are expected to start production by 2025.

 The Ministry has also identified four coking coal blocks and the CMPDI also will finalize GR for 4 to 6 new coking coal blocks in the next two months. These blocks may be offered in subsequent rounds of auction for private sector to further step up domestic raw coking coal supply in the country.

(c) & (d): Between 22.05.2022 and 19.11.2022, imports of Anthracite and coking coal attracted NIL import duty [Nil BCD and NIL AIDC]. With effect from 19.11.2022, imports of Anthracite and coking coal, along with other types of coal, attract a concessional rate of 2.5% Customs duty [I% BCD and1.5% AIDC]. Government has taken this initiative to increase present blending of 1012% of domestic coking coal with imported coking coal to 30% by FY2030 and reduce import of coking coal.

(e): CIL undertakes constant efforts to enhance coking coal production by capacity enhancement through expansion of existing coking coal producing mines and from implementation of new coking coal blocks. Mass Production Technology has been introduced in UG mines of CIL to enhance the domestic raw coking coal pro-

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether the country frequently faces coal supply crisis; (b) if so, the details of the remedial steps taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government keeping in view the fact that Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has not been able to keep pace with rising demand; (c) whether the Government has taken cognizance of the fact that coal demand cannot be ignored for at least three decades; and (d) if so, the initiatives taken/being taken by the Government to improve coal mining efficiency and production?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a) & (b): There is no coal shortage in the country. The all India coal production in the year 2022-2023 (upto November'22) was 524.2 Million Tonne (MT) (provisional) in comparison to 448.1 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of about 17%. Similarly, the supply/dispatch of coal in the country during 20222023 (upto November'22) was 558.24 MT (provisional) in comparison to 521.08 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of about 7.33 %.

To meet the increased demand of power sector during the year 2022-23, CIL has dispatched 380.58 MT (upto November’22) (Provisional) in comparison to 339.8 Million tonnes during the same period of last year with a growth of about 12% .

To address the issues of coal supplies to power sector, an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising of representatives from Ministries of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) meet regularly to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to Power Sector including to alleviate critical coal stock position in power plants. In addition to this, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted comprising of Chairman, Railway Board, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Secretary, Ministry of Power to monitor augmentation of coal supply and power generation capacity. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Chairperson, CEA are co-opted as Special Invitees as and when required by the IMC. Coal dispatch from the captive coal blocks is also being monitored regularly.

(c) & (d): Yes. As coal is the major source of energy in India, the demand will continue with likely peak between 2030-2035. Accordingly, following measures are being taken by the Government to improve the availability of coal in the country:

i. Enhanced coal production from mines of Coal India Ltd (CIL) - both in capacity of existing mines as well as operationalization of new mines/projects.

ii. Enhanced production from commercial coal mines.

iii. Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 for enabling captive mines owners (other than atomic minerals) to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral (including coal) production in the open market after meeting the requirement of the end use plant.

iv. Overall improvement of coal logistics by way of First Mile Connectivity, Rail Projects and inte-

grated logistics movement of coal.

v. Induction of enhanced Mass Production Technologies and enhancing efficiency of mines with introduction of Digitization of operation and introduction of ERP.

vi. Regular monitoring by Ministry of Coal.

vii. Single Window Clearance system for facilitation of clearances for early operationalization of coal mines.

Q. No. 2365. COAL REQUIREMENT

DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY: SHRI RAJU BISTA: SHRI KRIPANATH MALLAH:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state: (a) the details of the coal production within the country since 2019 at present, State-wise; (b) the details of the requirement of coal within the country;

(c) whether the domestic production is able to fulfil the coal requirement across the country, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps being taken by the Government to meet the shortfall of coal; (d) whether the requirement of coal is increasing across the country year by year, if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government to become self reliant in coal sector;

(e) the details of coal imports since 2019 along with the cost incurred and the steps taken by the Government to ensure continued supply of coal; and

(f) whether the Government has taken any action against rumour mongers which caused panic in the Market/economy that India is facing coal shortage, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a): The state-wise production of the coal in India since 2019 is annexed at Annexure-1.

(b) (c) & (d): The demand of coal has increased from 906.13 MT (Million Tonnes) in 2020-21 to 1027.92 MT in 2021-22 i.e. at a growth of 13.44%. The requirement / demand of coal for the year 2022-23 has been projected at 1087 MT which is 5.75% higher than the actual demand in 2021-22.

The all India coal production in the year 20212022 was 778.19 Million Tonne (MT) in comparison to 716.083 MT in the year 2020-2021. Further, in the current financial year upto November'22, the country has produced about 524.2 MT of coal as compared to about 448.1 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of about 17%. The following measures taken by the Government to enhance the production of coal in the country:

i. Enhanced coal production from mines of Coal India Ltd (CIL) - both in capacity of existing mines as well as operationalization of new mines/projects.

ii. Enhanced production from commercial coal mines.

iii. Enactment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 for enabling captive mines owners (other than atomic minerals) to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral (including coal) production in the open market after meeting the requirement of the end use plant.

iv. Overall improvement of coal logistics by way of First Mile Connectivity, Rail Projects and integrated logistics movement of coal.

v. Induction of enhanced Mass Production Technologies and enhancing efficiency of mines with introduction of Digitization of operation and introduction of ERP.

vi. Regular monitoring by Ministry of Coal.

vii. Single Window Clearance system for facilitation of clearances for early operationalization of coal mines.

(e): As per the current import policy, coal is kept under Open General License (OGL) and consumers are free to import coal from the source of their choice as per their contractual prices on payment of applicable duty. The details of coal imported and its cost since 2019 is annexed as Annexure-2. In addition to the measures taken for enhancing the coal production as mentioned at the answer (b) to (d) above, the following measures are taken by the Government to ensure continued supply of coal in the country:

To address the issues of coal supplies to power sector, an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising of representatives from Ministries of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) meet regularly to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to Power Sector including to alleviate critical coal stock position in power plants. In addition to this, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted comprising of Chairman, Railway Board, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Secretary, Ministry of Power to monitor augmentation of coal supply and power generation capacity. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Chairperson, CEA are co-opted as Special Invitees as and when required by the IMC. Coal dispatch from the captive coal blocks is also being monitored regularly.

(f): As a countermeasure to deal with the false propaganda about coal shortage, Ministry of Coal had disseminated information on factual position through PIB press releases and official Social Media handles for maximum public outreach.

Indonesian Coal News:

* Indonesia produced 668.75mn t in December 2022, exceeding the year's target, according to the latest ESDM data. Actual output during the period is likely to have been higher as some producers do not report their production volumes promptly. Indonesian coal production has recovered strongly after the ESDM imposed a month-long blanket ban on exports in January 2022 because of a domestic supply crunch. Production rose despite sporadic disruptions from rain throughout the year, and despite a shortage of heavy machinery.

*Thiess, the mining arm of Cimic Group, has received a A$345m ($230.6m) contract extension from Bayan Group to continue providing services at the Melak coal mine in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Under the contract, which is effective from May 2023, Thiess will provide full mining services including load and haul, drill and blast, coal hauling and road maintenance, and rehabilitation at the mine. Thiess

Indonesia secured a contract in October 2008 for the development and operation of the Bayan Groupowned Melak coal mine located near Melak in East Kalimantan, for a period of eight years. The Melak mine comprises two different mine concessions including Teguh Sinar Abadi and Firman Ketaun Perkasa.

Australian Coal News:

*Authorities in Australia are optimistic that the value of exported Australian coal will overtake that of iron ore in the next six months. The federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources confirmed metallurgical coal and thermal coal exports totaled $114 billion during the 2022 financial year (FY). In FY23 this figure is expected to increase by 16.7 % to $133B, reducing iron ore’s $114B sum for the same period. In the following fiscal period, coal will decrease 24.1 % to $101B but this will still be higher than iron ore’s $95B total. The department expects coal production to jump in New South Wales and

Queensland, from 163M tonnes (Mt) in FY22 to 183Mt by FY24 (up 12.2 %).

* The Australian coal industry says China's market matters less than before, even if the import ban ends. Queensland Resources Council says industry would welcome restrictions Australia would benefit from a lifting of China’s ban on its coal but any gains would likely be modest as miners have largely redirected supplies elsewhere, analysts said .Shares of ASXlisted coal miners shot up on Wednesday after reports China was considering lifting its restrictions on coal imports from Australia from April. The ban was imposed in mid-2020 amid deteriorating bilateral relations that have since begun to improve.

South African Coal News:

*The Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) has signed a Sh38.359 billion deal with a Turkish firm to construct a tarmac road that is expected to ease coal transportation to neighboring countries. AVMDilingham Construction International Inc will build the 32-kilometer road connecting Ibanda, Kajunjumele, Kiwira, and Itungi Port. The company got the contract following a competitive procurement procedure through Tanroads in which six firms expressed interest. Speaking at the signing ceremony, minister in charge of Works and Transport Prof Makame Mbarawa said that it will link the regions of Mbeya, Ruvuma, and Njombe when it is finished, making it one of the vital road networks.

*The Transnet SOC Board and Minerals Council South Africa Office Bearers have agreed to establish joint collaborative structures whose purpose is to ensure that all possible actions are taken to stabilize and improve the throughput of South Africa’s rail and port systems to enable inclusive growth and maximize the movement of commodities in the national interest. To achieve stabilization and improved performance, the Transnet Board and Minerals Council Principals have agreed to establish an Oversight Panel, a Recovery Steering Committee, and Channel Optimization Teams for each of the major commodities (coal, iron ore, manganese, and chrome).

European Coal News:

*Despite pledges to abandon coal altogether; the raw material is back in the mix. France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Greece are reactivating coal-fired power plants. As the ban on Russian oil kicked in earlier this month in tandem with freezing

temperatures across Europe, the continent has turned to traditional, outdated energy sources to prevent extensive power shortages this winter. Poland is reviving its defunct mines and even opening new ones .Meanwhile, households unable to afford more expensive heating options are firing up their coal furnaces. However, with Russian coal out of the picture, there’s just not enough fossil fuel on the continent to meet this rising demand. This means Europe is looking beyond its borders to buy coal in bulk, and it's shaking up an industrial sector in transition in the process.

* Coal stocks at northwestern European import terminals have risen more than 2% to around a threemonth high, port data showed, as vessel arrivals outstrip stock withdrawals. Combined inventories at four key terminals in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp (ARA) were assessed last at 6.4m tonnes, up 0.14m tonnes from a week ago and the highest since the week beginning 26 September, according to estimates from dry bulk data provider DBX .Stock levels were also more than 2m tonnes higher than this time last year. Just under 0.5m tonnes of coal was delivered to Amsterdam and Rotterdam last week, compared with nearly 0.9m tonnes in the previous week. Port sources said withdrawals from stock were relatively low over the Christmas and New Year period, due in part to barge operators taking seasonal breaks.

US Coal News:

* US Energy Information Administration data stated that coal deliveries to US power plants in October were up by 6.5% on the year and totaled 40.7 million tonnes. Deliveries from January through October totaled 389.5 million tonnes up 3% from 378.1 million tonnes in the same period of 2021. Railroads delivered 28.7 million tonnes of coal to utilities in October, which represented 70.5% of all US utilitycoal deliveries. Compared with September, railroad coal deliveries fell by 1%. Barges were the next mostcommon mode of coal transport to power plants with 47.1 million t delivered in October, up from 46.5 million tonnes in September.

*The latest US Commerce Department data show that by the end of October, US steam coal exports to Europe on a year-to-date basis had climbed to a four-year high of 10.4mn short tons (9.45mn metric tonnes), while volumes to Asia dropped by more than 6mn st to 13mn st. The shift in US thermal coal exports in 2022 came as Europe continued to recover from the Covid-19-induced downturn, a colder-than-

normal winter, and then Russia's February invasion of Ukraine. Higher natural gas prices also boosted coalfired generation in Europe, while supply disruptions in other countries bolstered delivered coal prices, making the continent a more attractive destination for coal sellers.

Shipping Update:

Pet Coke News:

* The global petroleum coke market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.62% during the forecast period (2021-2027). The rising energy demand globally is the key factor expected to drive the growth of the petroleum coke market during the forecast period. In 2021, the market rose at a steady rate and with the expanding adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon as per a survey by Market watch. In the United States, the Petroleum (PET) Coke market size is expected to grow from USD million in 2021 to USD million by 2028, at a CAGR of % during the forecast period.

*Thirty-three ships carrying coal would arrive in Sri Lanka by April 30 this year and stocks needed for Norochcholai Coal Power Plant (NCPP) would be provided continuously, Chairman/MD- Lanka Coal Company Shehan Sumanasekara told The Island. “We have coal for two generators and a ship carrying 60,000 tonnes of coal is arriving on 04 January. These two generators need 5,000 tonnes of coal a day.When the ship comes, we will be unloading 12,000 tonnes of coal a day,” he said. Sumanasekara added that 33 ships before the seas get too rough to unload coal.

*The Capesize sector saw a surge, especially in the Atlantic. More cargo from West Africa came to the market and subsequently pushed Brazil to Qingdao to run to a higher level. However, fixtures were lacking as very limited prompt ballasters could make the loading dates. In the North Atlantic, the transatlantic and front haul runs moved sharply higher amid a lack of tonnage in the region. Lay can window and the premium from breaching International Navigating Limits were taken into consideration. Meanwhile, sentiment suggested a year-end push.

Sl. No. Subsidiary Production during DEC’22 Production up to DEC'22

FY-23FY-22 Growth(%) FY-22-23 FY-23FY-22 Growth(%) FY-22-23

1ECL3.162.908.9723.7721.2411.91

2BCCL3.562.8524.9125.9320.0929.07

3CCL7.206.4112.3249.3342.7815.31

4NCL11.4811.242.1497.2686.3612.62

5WCL6.615.8113.7738.3634.2112.13

6SECL16.7614.1618.36106.6191.8416.08

7MCL17.6316.854.63137.67117.1217.55

8NEC0.02 0.12

Overall CIL66.4260.2210.30479.05413.6315.82

9SCCL6.735.6519.1247.2246.521.51

10 Captive/Others 9.728.929.0181.0262.1930.28 Grand Total 82.8774.7910.81607.29522.3416.26

Sl. No. Subsidiary Despatch during DEC’22 Despatch up to DEC'22

FY-23FY-22