Coal India’s Strategic Move into Power Generation: Unlocking New Avenues
Source and Citation: Article published by ET Bureau in Economic Times on January 19, 2024.
Analysis for a Layman
The Cabinet has given the nod for equity investments totaling Rs 5,607 crore by two subsidiaries of state-owned coal mining firm Coal India Limited (CIL) – South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). This investment aims to set up two thermal power plants with a total capacity of 2,260 megawatts (MW) in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Thermal plants convert coal into electricity using steam turbines.
SECL will collaborate with Madhya Pradesh Power Generation Co. Ltd (MPPGCL) to invest Rs 823 crore for a 660 MW coal-fired unit at Amarkantak, MP. MCL, through its arm Mahanadi Basin Power Limited, will invest Rs 4,784 crore to establish a 1,600 MW thermal power plant in Sundargarh, Odisha.
By channeling Coal India’s cash flows into power generation, the strategy aims to capture more value from mine mouths while meeting the growing power needs. The Cabinet has also enabled crossing the 30% net worth threshold usually imposed for PSU strategic investments, indicating the priority accorded.
Impact on Retail Investors
For minority shareholders of Coal India, including retail investors, this Rs 5,600 crore diversification may unlock significant new revenue streams over the long term. Thermal power tariffs can leverage Coal India’s low-cost captive coal availability.
However, power generation ventures and partnerships have seen a mixed track record from metal mining PSUs like NALCO and HCL in the past. Hence, investors should monitor the execution track record regarding adherence to timelines and cost budgets, considering potential risks like land acquisition, equipment procurement delays, etc., impacting commissioning.
Competitiveness against private thermal power producers also needs evaluation, especially given high Air Quality compliance costs. But, strategically transforming Coal India from just a commodity supplier to an integrated energy producer aligns with global mining majors and can aid in insulating from coal price vagaries.
Impact on Industries
For India’s thermal power generation industry, this 2,260 megawatts capacity addition broadens the supply base and introduces a new competitor, potentially benefiting distribution companies through tariff competitiveness. Domestic equipment suppliers stand to gain from balance of plant orders.
Coal India’s track record and balance sheet heft improves bankability for these units to secure project financing, bringing stability to lenders given the current flux with private generators. Operational stability will also benefit grid management by central and state load dispatch centers.
For Coal India, forward integration de-risks from demand unpredictability and price controls always prevalent in commodity markets. Direct power sale opportunities lend predictability to cash flows while also enabling better coal grade management. This can also open up avenues for participating in commercial coal auctioning by an integrated generator-miner entity.
Long Term Benefits & Negatives
Over the 20-30 year lifetimes of power plants, Coal India’s forward integration provides several strategic advantages and de-risking. Captive access to ~80% domestic coal offers fuel security and shields from import price volatility. Dedicated power capacities can lend predictability to revenues while tapping huge growth potential as India’s electricity demand may triple by 2040.
Mastering power project execution capabilities also allows replicating similar cost-plus power ventures leveraging subsidiary coal reserves rather than merely auctioning supplies to third-party IPPs and CPPs. Helps in extracting optimal value.
However, power markets face disruption risks from green energy growth and substitutions. Thermal plants can face stranded asset risks if India meets its 2070 net zero targets faster. But low domestic coal costs offer an edge against rising import crude/LNG/renewable costs to balance intermittency needs over the next 20-30 years at least.
Short Term Benefits & Negatives
In the near term, Coal India’s maiden foray into power generation makes a strong strategic statement despite disruption risks ahead. It lays the platform for an integrated coal miner-cum-generator corporation that can ride both thermal and renewables growth opportunities in the future.
Stakes in 2,260 megawatts capacities offer a sizable foothold to begin with and scout more opportunities without overextending financially. Priority clearances enabled also increase the likelihood of keeping commissioning timelines.
But downside risks of teaming up with state generator MPPGCL include potential fiscal constraints or political economy issues faced by the state discom – which can increase project execution uncertainties. Past records of cost/time overruns in power projects also warrant caution.
So while the strategic direction seems promising, nimble execution will decide outcomes. Investors should track plant commissioning milestones closely rather than taking stability for granted.
Potential Gainers and Losers from Coal India’s Power Plant Investments
Indian Companies Likely to Gain:
- Coal India Ltd (CIL): The parent company, CIL, stands to benefit directly from increased demand for coal driven by these new power plants. This could boost its overall revenue and profitability, potentially leading to a positive market sentiment.
- Coal mining companies: Companies like Adani Enterprises, Singareni Collieries, and Vedanta Ltd. could see increased demand for their coal supplies, leading to higher revenue and potentially attracting investor interest.
- Power plant equipment manufacturers: Companies like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) could see increased orders for boilers, turbines, and other equipment. This could drive positive sentiment around these stocks.
- Railway companies: Increased coal transportation requirements could benefit Indian Railways and private freight operators like Container Corporation of India (CONCOR). This could lead to higher revenues and improved operational efficiency.
- Construction companies: Companies involved in infrastructure development, such as Larsen & Toubro and NCC Ltd., could benefit from contracts related to building these new power plants. This could improve their order books and potentially attract investor interest.
Indian Companies Likely to Lose:
- Renewable energy companies: Increased focus on thermal power could delay the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This could negatively impact companies like Tata Power Renewable Energy, Adani Green Energy, and Suzlon Energy.
- Energy efficiency companies: Companies offering energy-saving solutions and technologies might face slower market growth due to continued reliance on thermal power. This could impact companies like Schneider Electric India and Siemens Ltd.
- Power transmission and distribution companies: Increased dependence on thermal power might not translate into significant growth for power transmission and distribution companies, as their networks may already be sufficient. This could lead to neutral or slightly negative sentiment for companies like Power Grid Corporation of India and CESC Ltd.
Global Companies:
The impact on global companies is less direct but could still be significant in specific sectors:
- Global coal mining companies: Companies like Glencore and BHP Billiton could benefit from increased global demand for coal driven by this move.
- Renewable energy companies with global presence: While domestic renewable players might feel the heat, global giants like Siemens Gamesa and Vestas could still see opportunities in other markets.
- Emissions control technology companies: Increased pressure on coal-fired plants to meet stricter emission standards could benefit companies like GE Power and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries offering relevant technologies.
Market Sentiment:
The overall market sentiment is likely to be mixed, with positive reactions from companies and sectors linked to the coal and power generation industries, balanced by negative sentiment from renewable energy and cleantech sectors. The final impact will depend on the actual execution of the projects, their environmental impact, and the government’s future policies towards both fossil fuels and renewable energy.
Important Note:
This analysis is based on the provided information and current market conditions. It is not financial advice and investors should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.