India Orders 112 Coal Plants to Maximize Power Generation Amid High Demand

The Indian government has ordered 112 captive coal-fired power plants to maximize electricity generation from October 1 to December 31. The move is a response to unusually strong electricity consumption and concerns over low coal inventories at several thermal power plants.

The directive applies to captive coal-based power plants with an installed capacity of at least 50 MW, operated by companies across sectors including aluminium, steel, cement, oil refining, and other industries. The order covers major companies such as Vedanta, Tata Steel, Hindalco Industries, JSW Steel, UltraTech Cement, Reliance Industries, Indian Oil, Bharat Aluminium, and Nayara Energy.

The government expects demand to remain elevated in the coming months and wants additional generation capacity available to strengthen power supply. Under the latest order, these plants have been directed to maximise generation based on available capacity, with any surplus power being sold through power exchanges.