DVC to import 3 million tonne coal in 2012-13

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) will import three million tonne of coal in 2012-13 to meet a part of its coal requirement to feed its thermal power plants and was waiting government's final nod on guarantee to raise Rs Rs 4,400 crore.

"Earlier, we were planning 2.5 million tonne for the next year. But given the current crisis in coal, we will import three million tonne for the year," DVC chairman R N Sen said.

"We will soon mandate MMTC to import the coal for us," he said.

The total coal requirement for the existing projects is 11 million tonne. The corporation would require 14 million tonne for their upcoming capacities.

DVC agreed that due to coal problem from Coal India Limited a few of its units could not be brought on generation to full capacity.

Sen said, "DVC will have six million tonne coal from captive sources in the next two years".

Speaking that the DVC was waiting for government's nod on guarantee to raise Rs 4400 crore by way of bonds to part finance projects under both 11th plan period and 12th plan period.

DVC will also hire a global consultant to chart a long term plan for the corporation for future roadmap.

"We are in the process of selecting a global standard consultant who will give us a long term plan," Sen said.

He said, "The board restructuring which is happening now will help the corporation to function more professionally. The new board strength will increase to 10 from six now".

Speaking about capacity addition, Sen said in the 11th plan period the corporation is adding 5200 MW though some plants are unable to begin commercial generation due to shortage of coal.

While, in the forthcoming 12th plan period the corporation had firmed up 1820 MW, another 3200 MW will be added subject to availability of coal linkage.