Coal Supply to Rajasthan

• 22 Jun 2024

Why in News?

Rajasthan is set to receive 400,000 metric tonnes of coal which had been stranded at the washing plants in Chhattisgarh.

• This incoming coal shipment will boost the supplies for the state's power stations, guaranteeing sufficient electricity for the residents.

Key Points

• Currently, all 23 power plants in the state are operational, receiving 25 rakes of supply, and maintaining a 7-day stock in advance.
• An additional 4 lakh metric tonnes will extend this stock by 4 days, as the thermal plants require 1 lakh metric tonnes daily to function.
• Aryan Coal Beneficiation India Limited (ACBEL) in Korba, Chhattisgarh, had been contracted by Rajasthan State Power Generation Corporation for five years to provide coal from South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) mine to the Suratgarh and Chhabra thermal power plants.
  • However, in July 2022, ACBEL's washing facilities were closed by a joint effort of Chhattisgarh's state tax (GST) department, mineral department, revenue department, and environment department, leading to approximately 4 lakh metric tonnes of coal from Rajasthan being stranded in the washing facilities.

Suratgarh Thermal Power Plant

• Suratgarh Super Thermal Power Station is Rajasthan's first super thermal power station.
• It is located 27 km away from Suratgarh town in Ganganagar district. The power plant is operated by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RVUNL).
• The power plant has 6 units that can produce 250 megawatt and 2 units can produce 660 MW.

Chhabra Thermal Power Plant

• Chhabra Thermal Power Plant is one of Rajasthan's coal fired power plants.
• It is located in Rajasthan's Baran district.
• The planned capacity of the power plant is 2320 MW.