MINEX Forum

Tag: thermal power plants

  • Kazakhstan Coal Output Declines in January Amid Long-Term Power Expansion Plans

    Kazakhstan Coal Output Declines in January Amid Long-Term Power Expansion Plans

    Coal production in Kazakhstan declined in January 2026 despite the government’s long-term plans to expand coal-fired power generation capacity.

    According to official statistics, output of thermal coal reached 9.92 million tonnes in January, down 1.7% compared to the same period last year. Total coal production, including coking grades, amounted to 10.31 million tonnes, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 0.7%.

    The modest start to the year comes as the government prepares a coal power development programme through 2030, which предусматривает the commissioning and modernisation of approximately 7.6 GW of thermal power capacity.

    In 2023–2024, Kazakhstan’s thermal power plants consumed around 55 million tonnes of coal annually. With the rollout of new energy projects, additional demand could rise by up to 16 million tonnes per year, requiring increased output and more stable supply chains.

    Bogaty r Komir, the country’s largest private coal producer, plans to raise production to 45.2 million tonnes in 2026 and further expand to 56.5 million tonnes by 2032. The company’s primary resource base is the Ekibastuz deposit, which holds estimated reserves of approximately 2.4 billion tonnes.

    For full-year 2025, Kazakhstan’s total coal production reached 115.9 million tonnes, marking an increase of around 6.5% compared with the previous year.

  • Coal Sector Protests and Shortages Threaten Power Supply in Romania and Bosnia

    Coal Sector Protests and Shortages Threaten Power Supply in Romania and Bosnia

    Workers in the coal mining and thermal power sectors across Southeast Europe are facing mounting pressure from austerity measures and supply disruptions, raising concerns about electricity generation and energy security in the region.

    In Romania, employees of state-owned Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CE Oltenia) have staged protests, including hunger strikes, in response to proposed wage cuts and the possible cancellation of meal vouchers. Thirteen workers have reportedly gone on hunger strike, while demonstrations have taken place at several coal mines and one thermal power plant.

    During a meeting with union representatives, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that CE Oltenia could only be exempted from austerity measures if it improves efficiency and reduces reliance on state aid. A government memorandum clarifying the situation is expected to be discussed next week. Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan noted that Romania had previously renegotiated with the European Commission the closure deadline for certain coal-fired power plants, extending it beyond December 31, 2025.

    Union representatives warned that if their demands are not addressed, protests could escalate and further reduce already strained coal supplies feeding the Rovinari and Turceni thermal power plants, which are central to Romania’s power system.

    Similar challenges are emerging in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ugljevik thermal power plant is currently offline due to coal shortages and has recently reduced salaries for all employees. In late January, the Government of the Republic of Srpska agreed to transfer part of the Ugljevik coal concession from Comsar Energy RS, majority owned by Russian businessman Rashid Sardarov, to RiTE Ugljevik, the plant’s operator.

    The transferred deposit reportedly contains around 50 million tonnes of coal, enough to supply the plant for approximately 25 years. The reserves had originally been earmarked for the planned Ugljevik 3 project, which was never completed.

    Labor tensions have also surfaced at the Zenica coal mine, which is scheduled for closure. In September, miners staged a five-day hunger strike over unpaid wages.

    The combined impact of labor unrest and coal shortages has contributed to a sharp rise in electricity imports. In 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electricity imports reached a record €321.6 million, roughly double the previous year, partly due to production halts at coal-fired facilities.