Optimal use of coal for power generation in India

Abstract There is growing consensus among energy planners that electricity requirements in India would increase rapidly in the next couple of decades, and that coal would continue to dominate the generating capacity mix. Comparatively high levels of ash in Indian coal causes concern both in terms of the high costs of coal movement and the associated environmental impacts. As per the notification of September 1997, all power plants located in sensitive areas, metropolitan cities and in areas distant from the coalfields, must use coal with