NTPC- Kaniha to import over 13 lakh tonnes of coal in 2010-11

The 3000 MW Kaniha super thermal power plant of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), the second largest power plant in the country, will import more than 13 lakh tonnes of coal this fiscal to tide over the acute coal crisis.

The power plant is presently reeling under a super critical condition, with a coal stock of about two lakh tonnes which would last for only three days. Out of this, 1.2 lakh tonnes are imported coal and only 80,000 tonnes are coal supplied by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL).

The power plant needs 55,000-60,000 tonnes of coal every day to run six its six 500 MW units but gets only 45,000-52,000 tonnes of coal from MCL. Apart from its linked Lingraj coal block which supplies 30,000-35,000 tonnes of coal per day through the Merry Go Round System, NTPC Kaniha also draws coal from other mines at the Talcher and Ib valley coalfields through the rail network.

R Venkateswaran, executive director of NTPC however, said, “Coal is not a major issue now as the problem of coal shortage will be solved by the next financial year when the Kaniha coal mine near the plant would be fully operational. MCL authorities have opened the mine recently.”

“Rail linkage to the aniha mine will be done after the completion of land acquisition. Meanwhile, both the MCL and NTPC authorities are taking some steps to enhance coal supply from the linked Lingaraj mine through Merry Go Round System”, he added.

The railway line to the Kaniha mine will be drawn in two phases. The first 3.5-km track will be constructed in the firs phase and in the second phase, there would be a 12-km line to link the mine to plant.