Facing an acute coal shortage that has disrupted the functioning of its thermal plants, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has floated tenders for the import of coal.
This will also help bridge the gap in supply for the remaining part of the 2018-19 financial year.
A senior Tangedco official said the e-tender for importing 20 lakh tonnes of coal (of any origin) had been called for on September 20 with the last date of submission being September 29. The imported coal would be unloaded at the Kamarajar Port, Ennore.
The official said the contract for purchasing 6 lakh tonnes of imported coal for the Tuticorin thermal power plant had already been settled.
The coal imported through the fresh tender is to be used for the thermal power plants in the city, he added.
Centre’s policy
Electricity Minister P. Thangamani had earlier said Tamil Nadu had accepted the proposal of the Central government to avoid imported coal as it had been assured of adequate domestic coal.
But with the State facing a severe coal crunch that threatens to paralyse the operations of the thermal power plants, Tangedco has decided to go in for imports to meet the demand during summer next year.