The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
RANCHI, APRIL 26, 2022
Highlighting that “Net Zero” would be possible only if Energy Trilemma (i.e Energy Security, Energy Sustainability & Energy Affordability) is considered in the sustainable coal equation, World Coal Association (WCA) CEO Michelle Manook said “Coal is a Strategic Asset, not a Stranded Asset.”
Addressing a seminal on “Future of Coal”, organized by NTPC Coal Mining Headquarters Ranchi on Monday, Manook stressed upon the need for continuous evolution and technological advancement in the field of coal mining and production, and at the same time putting more thrust on clean coal technology.
“India would continue to play a major role in future as it has abundant coal reserves, moderate gas, and oil resources than China,” she said.
The seminar was organised keeping in view the importance and relevance of coal as being the prevailing major source of energy and power generation. World Coal Association (WCA) participated in the seminar as a special invitee.
“Coal production is not only vital for power production but also it is critical to ancillary industries for production of cement, steel, and aluminum etc. and is also an important social factor, particularly in countries like India,” Manook said.
In his inaugural address, NTPC Regional Executive Director (Coal Mining) Partha Mazumder touched upon the Indian power and coal scenario and highlighted NTPC’s contribution in overall power requirements of the nation.
The all India production of coal has increased to the level of 772.35 million tonnes in 2021-22 compared to 716.08 MT in 2020-21, informed Mazumder, while briefing about the journey of NTPC Coal Mines from 0.23 MMT in 2016-17 to 14.02 MMT in 2021-22. “The transition for adhering to Net Zero commitment has to be smooth and with a positive approach to response to environment concerns,” he suggested.
“In spite of the much needed thrust on renewable energy, dominance of coal would be there at least for some more years. But we all have to focus on clean coal technologies and adopt modern technologies in coal mining to produce “Green Coal”,” Mazumder said. Sh.
Mazumder concluded his speech with the announcement that NTPC has started mining operations from its fourth mine Chatti-Bariatu located in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand from April 25, 2022, for which he thanked the Coal Mining Team, NTPC Management, Central and Jharkhand Government and all other stakeholders for their continuous support.
CMPDIL presented its pilot study on vibro-ripper technology for overburden removal and briefed about coal gasification Initiatives in India. TATA Steel highlighted the importance of Digital Technology and AI for better mine management.
Prof Piyush Rai, from IIT-BHU spoke on the improvements and changes needed to be done in the operation of coal mines for a sustainable mine environment.
Lastly, NTPC presented its fuel strategies for ensuring uninterrupted, reliable, and affordable power.
During the seminar, discussions were also held on project financing of coal mining projects, R&D in Mine Environment & Operation, developments in coal gasification and other aspects of clean coal technologies.
Among others, Daleen Lopez-Ruiz, Director (Membership), WCA; Antonios Papaspiropoulos, Director (Communications), WCA; P K Sinha, ex-CMD, NCL & MCL & Advisor to NTPC; and Prof. Piyush Rai, Head, Dept. of Mining, IIT-BHU; and other delegates from CMPDIL, NMDC, MECON, DVC, THDC, TATA Steel, Adani, Dilip Buildcon, Hindalco, Thriveni, Sainik Mining, KBP Mining Private Limited and Head of Mining Departments from IIEST, Kolkata and NIT Rourkela participated in the day long seminar.
