Ranchi: Keeping in view the importance and relevance of coal as being the prevailing major source of energy and power generation, Metallurgical industries, a one-day seminar on “Future of Coal” was organized by NTPC Coal Mining Headquarters, Ranchi with participation from World Coal Association (WCA) as a special invitee.
The seminar was inaugurated by Michelle Manook, CEO, WCA in the august presence of Partha Mazumder, Regional Executive Director (Coal Mining), NTPC and others. During her keynote address, Ms Manook appreciated the title of the Seminar “Future of Coal” being very apt in the current times terming as “Coal has the future.” She stated Coal is a Strategic Asset, not a Stranded Asset.
She highlighted that “Net Zero” would be possible only if Energy Trilemma (Energy Security, Energy Sustainability & Energy Affordability) is considered in the sustainable coal equation. She stressed 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. She stressed India would continue to play a major role in the future as India has abundant coal reserves, moderate gas, and oil resources than China.
She emphasized that coal production is not only vital for power production but also it is critical to ancillary industries for the production of cement, steel, and aluminum etc. and is also an important social factor, particularly in countries like India. Partha Mazumder, Regional Executive Director (Coal Mining), during his inaugural address welcomed all the delegates and touched upon the Indian power and coal scenario and highlighted the NTPC’s contribution in overall India’s power requirements.
He also stated that all India production of coal has increased to the level of 772.35 million tonnes in 2021-22 compared to 716.08 MT (2020-21). He also briefed about the journey of NTPC coal mines from 0.23 MMT in 2016-17 to 14.02MMT in 2021-22. He shared that the transition for adhering to Net Zero commitment has to be smooth and with a positive approach to response to environmental concerns.
Mazumder stated that despite the much-needed thrust on renewable energy, the dominance of coal will be there at least for some more years, but all have to focus on clean coal technologies and adopt modern technologies in coal mining to produce Green Coal. He concluded with an announcement that, NTPC has started mining operations from its fourth mine Chatti-Bariatu located in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand from April 25.