Environmental News from India:
India expects rainfall in the biggest coal-producing areas of its east-central region to be below the long-term average this year, potentially easing utilities’ coal shortages as there could be fewer disruptions to mining activity due to flooding.
East-central India includes the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, which together account for nearly half of the country’s annual coal output. Coal accounts for nearly 75% of India’s power generation.
India expects overall rainfall during the annual monsoon to be 103% of the long-term average. Higher rainfall in other parts of the country could increase hydro power generation and irrigation-driven electricity demand could be lower, easing pressure on thermal power.
India has reversed a policy to cut coal imports to zero, invoked an emergency law to operate imported coal-based utilities and plans to reopen closed mines to address surging power demand, which is seen growing at the fastest pace in at least 38 years.
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Source: Reuters