Coal supply could play a dampener both for the power sector and the industry at a time when the government is targeting double-digit growth and a $5-trillion economy.
 
While the power demand is rising with enhanced electricity connectivity and improving supply metrics, domestic coal supply continues to remain laggard as several states and power generators are depending on imported coal.
 
The 19th Electric Power Survey by the Central Electricity Authority projects peak power demand of 299 gigawatt (Gw) by 2026-27. Apart from the existing coal-based capacity, it takes into account 47.85 GW at various stages of construction. The total coal requirement 2021-22 and 2026-27 has been estimated as 735 million tonne (mt) and 877 mt, respectively, including imported coal of 50 mt.
 
Though the power demand is currently subdued, most states have started complaining again about a shortfall of coal supply from state-owned Coal